Scientific progress often surpasses the advancement of moral thought, leaving the general public bewildered and revealing the limitations of lawmakers’ imagination. Many individuals are grappling to comprehend the astounding breakthroughs unveiled at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) in Boston. The groundbreaking work of Prof Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz from Cambridge University and the California Institute of Technology, where human embryo-like models are created from stem cells without the use of eggs or sperm, raises profound questions about the essence of life. Cultivating a tiny, human-like beating heart in a laboratory carries an element of playing God, despite the scientific merits of Jitesh Neupane’s research at Cambridge’s Gurdon Institute.
The current unregulated process in the UK involves persuading stem cells to develop into clusters resembling embryos or embryonic organs within conditions mimicking the womb. Nevertheless, the transplantation of these clusters into a woman’s womb is prohibited. However, due to the similarities between these stem cell models and human embryos, they hold immense potential for unraveling the mysteries of early pregnancy and shedding light on the causes of miscarriages or birth defects. Without clear guidelines that promote responsible research and instill public confidence, scientists are left to rely on their own conscience and the fear of tarnishing their reputation.
The current technology already exceeds the 14-day limit imposed on human embryo experimentation. This restriction was established based on philosopher Mary Warnock’s belief that within two weeks, “the human embryo hasn’t yet decided how many people it’s going to be.” Existing legislation is rooted in her 1984 report on infertility treatment and embryological research. However, these clusters of stem cells are not human entities in the conventional sense of the word. Bioethics revolves around the ethics of life, but the definition of “life” itself is complex. In ancient Greek, life is expressed distinctly as bios and zoe. The latter represents bare or animal life, while bios relates to a “course or way of living.” Stem cell clusters lack bios and can potentially acquire it only through the formation of a functioning brain capable of emotions and thoughts. However, such an experiment would be universally deemed unacceptable at present.
In 2021, the ISSCR issued research guidelines stating that human embryo models are not subject to the laws governing human embryos. Nevertheless, the ISSCR is a scientific society and not a legal or legislative authority. Different countries may reach varying conclusions on this matter. Hank Greely from Stanford University asserts that “if the embryo model has a significant possibility of ultimately leading to the birth of a baby, it should be treated, ethically and legally, like a human embryo.” However, definitively determining this possibility remains challenging without resorting to the unethical act of implanting embryo models into wombs.
In 2016, Prof Greely published a book suggesting that within a few decades, most individuals in developed countries would abandon sexual reproduction and rely exclusively on reproduction through pluripotent stem cell-derived gametes, utilizing sex solely for pleasure. What was once considered science fiction now appears less far-fetched. However, society must strive to avoid embarking on a dehumanizing path towards a dystopian future. Government officials should remain vigilant of the forces and practices leading us down this road and actively seek an ethical consensus. The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced public trust in science. The birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, prompted the British government to establish the Warnock committee, tasked with examining the acceptability of the technology and determining regulatory measures. Perhaps it is time for a new panel to convene and establish an ethical consensus.
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