Questions Remain in Stem-Cell Controversy

Re “Morality Goes Mum in Stem-Cell Fight,” Commentary, Sept. 29: There are several valid issues one should address before deciding whether to support or oppose Proposition 71.

The ethical issues that go to the heart of this proposition are numerous. They include the ongoing debate in this country about the moral status of the early embryo and fetus and the question of who will get access to the medical discoveries if this research succeeds.

The issue of the moral status of the early embryo is certainly not settled; yet embryos must be destroyed to retrieve the cells needed for this research. In addition, even if such cures could be developed, we as a society have not set ground rules on who would receive such benefits.

Would we fund expensive medical technologies for anyone, regardless of cost? Also, who would set the focus and the limits of such research? And what of the intellectual property rights? Who would own the knowledge and material created by research funded by Proposition 71?

Proposition 71 has not outlined a comprehensive way to approach these complex issues, but it has presented us with an opportunity to step back from the rush to fund more high-tech medical research and reconsider medical and ethical options and our priorities.

Robert B. Lawton, S.J.

Pres., Loyola Marymount

University, Los Angeles