The Problem of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Germany is quite restrictive regarding the importation and utilization of embryonic stem cells. To control stem cell research in Germany the Federal Government established in 2002 a Central Ethics Commission on Stem Cell Research. Stem cells are interesting for research since they are biological prototypes which can be multiplied in definitely in vitro, and which grow into many different specialized types of cells. One hopes that from embryonic stem cells, one can grow tissue which can replace diseased or destroyed tissue. There are also adult stem cells in human beings. But they do not multiply very easily, and their reprogramming is extremely difficult. Then different opinions regarding the permission of embryonic stem cell research are discussed.

How can we expect any guidance from Christian ethics concerning stem cell research? Our mandate is to further the good of our fellow human beings. But each blastocyte must develop into a human being. To answer this question, it might be good to look at nature. Nature is very generous with nascent life. Birth is the exception, death and natural abortion is the rule. Are we more protecting than nature of those embryos that are left over from in vitro fertilization? Could we not establish an analogy between the naturally discarded embryos in an unintentional abortion and the embryos not implanted by in vitro fertilization?

Can we look at nature without falling prey to a reductive naturalism? Is not humanity created in the image of God? We may conclude that humanity being created in the image of God in Gen 1:26-28 shows that a human being represents God’s rule over creation. Therefore, we must shoulder our ethical responsibility. Blastocytes are not just research material. They are not just an accidental conglomerate of cells. They are potential human beings. The generation of human embryos for research is ethically problematic and should not be advocated. Research with adult stem cells should not be abandoned in favor of the “easier” way of embryonic stem cell research. An initial temporal limit of embryonic stem cell research should be advocated until we know whether adult stem cell research is not an actual alternative. Outlawing embryonic stem cell research at this point would contradict our obligation to serve our fellow human beings.