Genetic Research

Genetic Research

There are many types of genetic research that are being studying and utilized throughout the world today. There are many ethical and moral issues that arise when discussing genetic research and they have created a heated debate among the many religious faith traditions and their teachings. Perhaps the most divisive categories of genetic research include embryonic and stem cell research, as well as prenatal screening and diagnosis. Stem cell research is an unending controversial issue. Many people do not know exactly what stem cell research is, or how it could affect the lives of many people around the world. Most people are also oblivious to what stem cells actually are and where they come from as well as their uses in the human body. As far as prenatal screening is concerned, the same questions are constantly asked. Despite the delicate issues that are presented in terms of genetic research, scientists everywhere seem to be very optimistic. Representatives of Judaism and Catholicism have very different views concerning the many aspects genetic research. Whether or not that research will be allowed to continue in a free way is still to be decided. Genetic research is not a future concern, it is a present concern, it is happening now and it is becoming more and more important for people everywhere to learn about it and what some religions teach about it.

A stem cell can be defined as a "generic" cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely ("Stem Cell Basics"). But to fully understand stem cells, one must first know the history. The history of stem cell research had a rather benevolent beginning in the mid 1800's with the discovery that some cells could produce other cells. In the early 1900's the first real stem cells were discovered when it was found that some cells generate blood cells. In 1998, James Thompson, from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, isolated cells from the inner cell mass of early embryos, and developed the first embryonic stem cell lines ("Stem Cell Basics"). In 2000, President Bill Clinton permitted the funding of research on cells derived from human fetuses that had been aborted, excluding embryonic cells. On August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush proclaimed his decision to authorize Federal funding of research only on existing human embryonic stem cell lines that were formed before his statement. To get into specifics, a stem cell has the ability to produce specific cells for an assortment of tissues in the body, such as cardiac muscle, brain tissue, along with liver tissue. Scientists have the ability to preserve stem cells without end, developing them into specialized cells as needed. There are two basic types: Embryonic stem cells are obtained from either aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs that are left over from in vitro fertilization ("Stem Cell Basics"). They are useful for medical and research purposes because they can produce cells for nearly every tissue in the body. Adult stem cells are cells that are not as adaptable for research purposes because they are specific to certain cell types, such as blood, intestines, skin, and muscle. The expression "adult stem cell" is deceptive because both children and adults possess them. Thus far, it seems as though there is nothing wrong with stem cell research and that is the viewpoint that Judaism holds, but that is un-akin to that of the Catholic Church.

The Roman Catholic Church makes a very direct statement on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. When I interviewed Fr. Steve Giannini, a priest at St. Luke Catholic Church with a degree in theology from St. Meinrads School of Theology, he said that, "The Catholic Church teaches us that it is essentially wrong to support and/or participate in embryonic stem cell research because an embryo holds the potential of human life." When Fr. Giannini discussed other forms of genetic research he referenced to scripture. He pointed out that the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

"...Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate if it exposes the subject's life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks. Experimentation on human beings does not conform to the dignity of the person if it takes place without the informed consent of the subject or those who legitimately speak for him" (Catechism 2295).

This passage is relevant to prenatal screening and diagnosis because a human fetus has no way of voicing its own opinion about the situation. If a couple has their soon-to-be baby screened for Down's syndrome and the test results come back positive, they may decide to abort the fetus and try