Preface
In the face of
extraordinary advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human
diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and
diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s
Disease, continue to deprive people of health, independence, and
well-being. Research in human
developmental biology has led to the discovery of human stem cells (precursor
cells that can give rise to multiple tissue types), including embryonic stem
(ES) cells, embryonic germ (EG) cells, and adult stem cells. Recently,
techniques have been developed for the in vitro culture of stem cells,
providing unprecedented opportunities for studying and understanding human
embryology. As a result, scientists can now carry out experiments aimed at
determining the mechanisms underlying the conversion of a single,
undifferentiated cell, the fertilized egg, into the different cells comprising
the organs and tissues of the human body.
Although it is impossible to predict the outcomes, scientists and the
public will gain immense new knowledge in the biology of human development that
will likely hold remarkable potential for therapies and cures.
Derivation of
ES cells from early human embryos, and EG and fetal stem cells from aborted,
fetal tissues raise ethical, legal, religious, and policy questions. Further, the potential uses of stem cells
for generating human tissues and, perhaps, organs, is a subject of ongoing
public debate.
Taking all the
above matters into account, the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS) and the Institute
for Civil Society (ICS) decided to undertake a study
in order to
propose recommendations for conducting stem cell research. To do so, we assembled a working group with
broad expertise and diverse views to advise us and to assist with preparing a
report. This study and the
recommendations flowing from it were informed by the values of the members of
this advisory group, the discussions that took place during a public meeting
hosted by AAAS and ICS on August 25, 1999, as
well as reports and recommendations of other groups in the United States and
elsewhere that have reflected on the issues involved. These values include belief in the promotion of patient welfare
and the social good, scientific freedom and responsibility, self-determination,
encouragement of civic discourse, public accountability of scientists and
research institutions, and respect for diverse religious, philosophical, and
secular belief systems.
AAAS and ICS recognize that
there are varied social, political, ethical, and religious viewpoints to be
considered in discussions about the scientific use of tissue from human embryos
and fetuses. Scientists do not presume
to know all the answers and ramifications of basic research in human stem
cells. Therefore, it is important to
promote continued dialogue among all segments of society concerning the
implications of stem cell research, and AAAS
and ICS are committed to fostering an ongoing educational process that informs
such public dialogue.
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| Contributed by: AAAS DoSER and the Institute for
Civil Society
|
