There was a diary earlier today giving a good analysis of what a stem cell is and the role stem cells can potentially play in the future of human health care.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/5/11/121413/707
This is a well done diary that gives a good layman's run down of stem cells and stem cell research, I recommend it. In this diary, I would like to address some of the philosophical concerns surrounding the idea of stem cell research and more specifically, the use of embryonic stem cells in said research.
I am not a religious person, but I believe I understand the dispute many people of faith have with the idea of embryonic stem cell research. I would like to offer here an alternative view for those thinking individuals who may feel they must oppose this research in order to ascribe to the will of God.
Stem cells are described as omnipotent, meaning they have unlimited potential both to differentiate and to proliferate. I think the idea of potential is an important one in this debate.
What is Potential? Webster's defines it as follows:
1. Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent: a potential problem.
2. Having possibility, capability, or power.
Those who oppose the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research often use the term potential as a part of their argument. They argue that we are destroying a potential life. That each and every one of these embryos has the potential to become a human being. This is inarguably true; however, should we limit the idea of potentiality to that of becoming a human? Is becoming a human being a worthier conclusion of this potentiality than any other?
These embryos and the stem cells of which they are almost entirely composed have many potentials, only one of which is to become a human being. They also have within them the potential to save lives, improve the quality of lives, or become bio-waste.
Why is fulfillment of potential to save and improve life less worthy than potential to become an individual life? Many would argue that there is no higher purpose than to improve and save lives. Individuals who have dedicated their lives to this end have been declared heroes, heroines and saints.
For those who would argue that it is not God's Will that these embryos be destroyed, first it is important to note that they are not being destroyed, but are simply fulfilling a different potential. The potential to improve life and reduce human suffering. On the other hand, if not utilized for this purpose, they will almost certainly be destroyed, or maintained indefinitely in suspended animation, a kind of earthly purgatory. This is indeed a horrible waste of potential and a waste of life.
We should keep in mind that throughout the ages we have found means by which to utilize God's creations and laws to our own end. This is true for medicines and vaccines for diseases that at one time were always fatal, as well as for air transportation and refrigeration. Few would argue today that "if God wanted man to fly he would have given him wings" or that we should refuse medical treatment in order to allow for God's will. (There are some however who do, and I respect that, but for the masses who enjoy the fruits of scientific research and innovation the argument about God's will is somewhat artificial)
For those who continue to argue that the use of these cells is opposed to God's will, I say, "Who are you to presume to know the mind of God?" Where in the Bible are the specifics of stem cell research addressed, this argument is based on sanctimony and conjecture. Perhaps this is God's will, part of his plan to reduce suffering and prolong lives. This is a potential that is certainly worth