In order to clarify some issues that are often inadequately
explained within the media and politics, I would like to discuss
the issue of therapeutic cloning.
Therapeutic cloning is the process by which the nucleus of a
donor’s egg cell is transferred into embryonic stem cells,
which are derived from an embryonal stage known as a blastocyst.
This process is also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. The
stem cells give rise to various tissues, including neural, muscle
and bone. This research may one day find cures for many diseases,
such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and Parkinson’s
disease.
President Bush has maintained the prohibition of federal support
for the creation of new embryonic stem cell lines and has professed
his belief that human embryos have the potential for life and
should not be used for research.
Sen. John Kerry stated his intention to advance the research on
therapeutic cloning using blastocysts produced in fertility
clinics, many of which are either frozen or are discarded.
At the center of this debate is the embryo created by in vitro
fertilization, a tiny ball of cells without the capacity to think
and feel. This embryo will not become a human being without a
mother’s womb and will instead disintegrate in a freezer or a
garbage can.
Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cure
Initiative ““ which is supported by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
and will be on the Nov. 2 ballot ““ will support research on
stem cells.
The problem is not that a potential human life will be destroyed
for research as it will be destroyed anyway without any ethical
considerations for the embryo. The development of this technology
will become more and more useful as the modern world
progresses.
The brain is the most important human attribute, and it will
become essential to securing the future of our world. Without vital
studies like computer science, chemistry and physics, we will be
unable to survive the changes in our environment that result from
processes such as global warming.
The roots of these sciences, of course, lie in nature. For
example, our physical and mental health rests primarily on our own
genetic endowment (which can also be supported by measures such as
healthy nutrition) but can be unleashed in the future by
therapeutic cloning and other genetic research. We have little
choice not to do so; modern life in crowded cities is leading to
pediatric obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and other health
concerns.
Our civilization is dependent upon new sources of energy and our
longevity and health are intimately related to the progress in
medicine and genetics. Future generations will hopefully experience
the improvement of the environment and the improved health of their
children. Current misleading moralizing will then be long
forgotten.
Fiala is a UCLA associate researcher.