BioEdge 194: Stem cell researchers propose international guidelines

BioEdge 194: Stem cell researchers propose international guidelines

After the disgrace of the South Korean stem cell research debacle, a group of doctors, philosophers, lawyers, editors and others have banded together to propose international guidelines for stem cell research.

Whilst this seems to be a reasonable reaction to the growing demand for stem cell research, one has to look a little harder at what is being proposed, because the Hinxton group is not proposing something that will put an end to the attempt to clone embryonic stem cells. It is in fact an attempt to push for the easing of restrictions in countries where this research is being carried out.

A group of 60 scientists, doctors, philosophers, lawyers, editors and
others have put forward a proposal for international guidelines for stem cell
research.

"Inconsistent and conflicting laws prevent some scientists from
engaging in this research and hinder global collaboration," the Hinxton Group
complains. The thrust of the declaration is very supportive of cloning for
research and embryonic stem cell research.

This is described as "an immense promise for good" which will increase knowledge of human biology and which may lead to new treatments for disease and injury.

The group's steering committee is largely British, and overwhelmingly skewed
toward utilitarianism. It includes the controversial ethicists John Harris, of
the University of Manchester, and Julian Savulescu, of Oxford University.

The committee argues that restrictions on research should be minimal and flexible enough to accommodate rapid change. Scientists should be free to do work abroad which is banned in their own countries. (German scientists, for instance, can be
prosecuted for working on projects abroad if these would be illegal in Germany.)

The Hinxton Group began its work before the Korean stem cell scandal. That
debacle has now strengthened the hand of opponents of destructive embryo
research and research cloning. However, the Group's 15 principles and strategies
may help to establish a united front for its supporters and give stem cell
research an ethical foundation.

The guidelines mention, but take no position on, two cutting-edge developments in stem cell research: the creation of human-animal hybrids and of gametes from stem cells. ~ Washington Post, Mar 2; Hinxton Group declaration