Most Christians have long been deeply troubled by the ethics of using aborted foetuses for stem cell research. I consider myself a pragmatist but that seems a step too far and reminiscent of the idea of using horrific, concentration camp experimenting as a basis for medical research. But now some good news:
'Scientists have developed a new way of creating human stem cells that does away with the need to create and destroy embryos.
In a breakthrough that could revolutionise medicine, and end the ethical dilemma of using cells from embryos, they have shown that the cells can be created from tissue removed from a man's testicles.
These could eventually be used to grow 'spare part' tissue to treat a host of diseases - including diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease.
And because this tissue comes from a patient himself, there is no issue of rejection.'
In a breakthrough that could revolutionise medicine, and end the ethical dilemma of using cells from embryos, they have shown that the cells can be created from tissue removed from a man's testicles.
These could eventually be used to grow 'spare part' tissue to treat a host of diseases - including diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease.
And because this tissue comes from a patient himself, there is no issue of rejection.'
