THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to express my disappointment with the June 15 decision of the European Union Parliament to approve tax spending on embryonic stem-cell research. Genetic science has great potential for either serving or degrading humanity. Its proper use requires moral reflection and the establishment of moral limits.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest embryonic stem-cell research has more potential to lead us to viable treatments for various diseases than non-embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells carry the likelihood of immune rejection in humans. Animal trials suggest that they are too genetically unstable and too likely to form lethal tumors to be used for treatment.
Tests using human adult stem cells, however, have produced significant and encouraging results in the areas of Parkinson's Disease, spinal cord injury, cardiovascular disease, sickle-cell anemia, and dozens of other conditions without posing any moral problem.
BIOLOGICAL LEVEL
On a biological level the pre-natal being is not like any other tissue: it is human with its own DNA indicating that - as a human - it has the same fundamental and moral right to life as any other human being. Politicians and lawmakers have a moral obligation to protect human life in all phases of its existence from conception to natural death.
We must help those who are suffering, but we may not use a good end to justify an evil means. Hence, the cry should be not for an increase in funding for embryonic stem cells, but rather an aggressive expansion of adult stem cell research.
I am, etc.,
PAUL KOKOSKI
paulkokoski@mountaincable.net
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
