The United Kingdom was touted as a “leader in the field” of stem-cell research by those advocating the use of human-animal hybrid embryos during debates over regulation last year. Last week researchers have been given the go-ahead for a clinical trial to assess the use of stem-cell transplants for stroke patients. The new controversial treatment is to take place at Glasgow University’s Institute of Neurological Sciences. It involves taking stem cells from an aborted foetus and injecting them into the brain of stroke victims. Researchers hope that the cells, which can renew themselves, will regenerate areas damaged by stroke, and increase patients’ movements and mental abilities.
‘Researchers will track the health and function of 12 patients who receive the experimental treatment six months to two years after being disabled by a stroke’, said Michael Hunt, chief executive of ReNeuron Group Plc, the company that will conduct the treatment. ‘The therapy’, he said, ‘comes from a stem-cell line grown from a tissue sample taken at least five years ago from the brain of an aborted foetus’.
Dr John Sinden, the chief scientific officer of ReNeuron, predicted that the decision, coupled with the recent transplant in Spain, would encourage other research firms to seek permission for trials in the United Kingdom and Europe rather than the United States. “Europe is going to be the centre in stem cells and regenerative medicine and that is very exciting,” he said. When challenged over the ethics of the trials, Dr Sinden insisted that only one aborted foetus had been used, and argued that this was justified by the potential benefits for patients.
Professor Sir Christopher Evans, biotech entrepreneur and one of the founders of ReNeuron, added: “This is a hugely important milestone for stroke victims and British science.”
However, stem cells, which have the power to become any cell in the body, are controversial because some of the research involves human embryos, which are killed when the cells are harvested. This new development has been described as “sick” by pro-life groups who say the use of aborted foetuses is unethical. The Society for the Unborn Child described the proposal as involving “cannibalising an unborn child”. John Smeaton said: “It is unethical in every way – killing one member of the human race to help another. We are totally opposed to this.”
Josephine Quintavalle, Director of Comment on Reproductive Ethics, said: “Even using just one foetus in this way is wrong. The stem cells will have been taken from a healthy foetus. Would any woman want her unborn baby have its brain used in this way?”
Christians believe that human life is a precious gift of God and is sacred. Great biblical affirmations tell us that this is so. The phrase “the sanctity of human life” is one we should not take lightly. Allowed to bear its full meaning, it calls to protect and care for the unborn and the aged, the healthy and the weak, those who are whole and those who are broken, saint and sinner.
DAILY TELEGRAPH - 19 Jan 2009 :
British scientists to test use of stem cells to treat stroke patients
DAILY MAIL - 19 Jan 2009 :
British scientists given permission to treat stroke victims with stem cells from aborted babies
BBC - 18 Jan 2009 :
Stem cell stroke therapy assessed
DAILY MAIL - 16 Dec 2008 :
Unborn babies are 'part of the family', says Archbishop of Canterbury