ABAC approaches NBAC with ethical solutions

In a letter concerning in vitro fertilization, human embryos and stem cell research, the American Bioethics Advisory Commission has asked Dr. Harold T. Shapiro, chairman of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, to consider the "innate dignity and unique nature of all human beings" in the search for moral and ethical ways to advance medical technology, cure diseases and alleviate suffering.

"As a commission of doctors in varying fields, lawyers, philosophers and theologians, the ABAC is concerned with the moral and ethical treatment of all human beings—even at the embryonic level," said Fr. Joseph Howard, ABAC's executive director.

"Our primary concern with in vitro fertilization and stem cell research is that human embryos have become objects and instruments of experimentation. In vitro fertilization is unethical because it violates the Natural Law and the moral rights of embryonic children. Additionally, stem cell research that uses cells obtained from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst (embryo) results in the direct destruction of a living human being every time," he said.

The ABAC has asked the NBAC to discontinue in vitro fertilization and to use only those stem cells obtained from cord blood, which contains an abundance of "pluripotent, mesodermal" cells which could potentially meet the same scientific needs as those cells taken from embryos. The harvesting of cord blood would not cause death or harm to any individual.

"Considering the abundance of cells in cord blood, it is probable that pluripotent cells exist which may differentiate into muscle, bone and connective tissue cells," Fr. Howard said.

Fr. Howard said the ABAC hopes to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with the NBAC in order to find ethical means of solving disorders like Parkinson's Disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease.