Topical Discussion Question #4

Is it right to use embryonic stem cells for research? If not, why not? If so, are there any limitations on how we should do this? Refer to biblical principles.

If embryonic stem cell research requires the destruction of an embryo, then this type of research should not be done unless the embryo is already dead.  As we can see the importance of life in Scripture, and specifically the lives of the weak and helpless, of which unborn children would be, it is right to protect their lives.  While Scripture itself is not written for the purposes of scientific research, it is evident that embryos have their own distinct chromosomal make-up which is in line with Psalm 139 as David proclaims his intimacy with God by being formed in his mother's womb.  As people are formed at conception, then only when they are no longer living should their bodies (embryos) be made available for research.

The slippery slope argument would suggest then that if embryonic stem cell research is allowed, then it would encourage the killing of embryos for this purpose.  This is a fair point, and one that should be taken into consideration by a society seeking to constrain the harm that is done both intentionally and unintentionally to its citizens.  However, there are many natural reasons why pregnancies end which do no harm to the life of either the mother or child, and if those embryos are viable candidates for stem cell research, then those parents should be given the opportunity to donate them for those purposes.  And if they are not viable, then science should be spurred on to use their creative resources to find a way to get the type of stem cells necessary for their research without doing harm to life.