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Cow-human cross embryo lives three days
A few days ago the Herald Sun ran an article with the above title. Scientists at Newcastle University in England created living embryos by injecting human DNA into cow’s eggs. This is good news for those involved in stem cell research, a hopeful area of study that could potentially lead the way to better treatments for spinal cord injuries as well as for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Predictably, the Catholic Church and other religious organizations condemned the breakthrough as “monstrous”.
Stem cell research looks promising, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say (like John Edwards did during the 2004 presidential campaign) that “people like Christopher Reeve are gonna get right up out of those chairs and walk!” The truth is that we don’t know what, if anything will ever come from stem cell research. However, scientists overwhelmingly point to it as a glimmer of hope for many of the world’s suffering and worthy of investment and resources. Opponents claim that stem cell research shows a lack of respect for life and we should not be “playing God”. Is it me or is there just something creepy about individuals who seem to have more reverence for embryos than for living, breathing people? Deny gays social equality and promote bomb-dropping on others who have the audacity to believe in the wrong God but, for God’s sake, don’t violate the sanctity of the Petri dish!
I don’t think like that. As a matter of fact, I’ve wanted to play God ever since watching Anthony Michael Hall and his nerdy sidekick “create” the perfect woman (Kelly LeBrock) with nothing but their computer and a few other household appliances in the 1985 hit movie “Weird Science”. I say play God as much as we can. If there is a God, he gave us these skills or, at least, got the ball rolling for a reason. Personally, I couldn’t look any terminally ill or permanently disabled person in the eyes and tell them that we could be searching for cures, but that artificially created embryos are just as important as they are. How is that respecting life?
Eventually, we’re going to have to find some middle ground; each side is going to have to give a little. I have an idea. How about we only experiment on the gay embryos? Better?
Epilogue: Thankfully, stem cell support has become a campaign issue for progressives. Michael J. Foxx made this video for Senator Claire McCaskill’s 2006 bid for office in Missouri. She won partially due to her opponent’s opposition to funding (or even allowing) stem cell research.
Randall H. Miller is an American educator and blogger living in the Dominican Republic. He blogs daily at www.TheCandidacy.com
