Readers' views: Human embryo research

The Bioethics Council yesterday launched its discussion document on the use of human embryos for scientific research. New Zealand currently bans using embryos of any kind for research, while rules internationally vary. The issue is controversial and is strongly opposed by some groups, while others believe it is crucial to the future of scientific research.

This discussion is now closed. Thanks to everyone who gave their views.

This whole thing is about big business (the drug companies) making money. It's not necessary to use human embryos for research as research has already proven that other sources can be used. The drug companies however cannot own the other sources like they can with human embryos so they cannot make money. Anyway it is morally wrong as life begins at conception. Ask any mother who has had a miscarriage.

- N Ardern

While I realise that there are people desperate for possible cures for conditions so far uncurable, I do not support the use of human embryos from any source for research. First, because many people, including me, believe that the human life, at any stage, is sacred; second, because how would / could use of such embryos be controlled? A 'black market' could arise around the industry, people could 'form' embryos, abort them - by using easily accessible pills - and profit from their sale. Such incidents happen in countries where stem cell research on human embryos is allowed (Korea, China). Also, it is possible to obtain stem cells from other sources than foetuses. While these cells may not be quite as flexible in their use, it is possible to use them. Finally, although there is great excitement about the potential of stem cell research, a read of academic literature on the subject shows that the hoped for 'miracle cures' have not happened yet, even where research has been continuing for some years. Many such miracle cures have eventually been found to be spurious.

- Prue

Stem cells already provide real benefits and this was one of the reasons why my partner and I had the stem cells collected at the birth of our daughter. One day it could provide her real health benefits or even save her life. Unless the research is allowed to move to the next stage, we will not realise the potential benefits this could bring humankind. I support the research.

- Robyn

I fully believe in human embryo research as a possible cure for many diseases in the future and I believe it is necessary to do and also beneficial.

- Caroline McCulloch

The alternative for unused embryos is destruction. From personal experience, I would prefer that my embryos were used for the possible benefit of others - whether that be by donation to an infertle couple, or research - rather than be destroyed. I think as long as there are protocols in place so that the embryos are treated with respect that it should be allowed.

- J Park

I disagree with embryonic stem cell research, not because I'm against progress, or against fighting diseases such as alzheimers, or anything like that, but because I believe that an embryo - even under 14 days - is still a human being. Nothing happens to it but an unpacking of genetic material after it is first conceived, no additions to suddenly 'make it' human, thus... if it is a human prior to being born... I don't want it treated as simply a 'thing', with no say over what is done to it. We make a big fuss over horrible things happening to babies, that have been born. If they'd never had the chance to get past the womb, for instance if they'd been aborted, it's unlikely anyone would care... yet the only difference between them and an unborn child is a few months. Ditto conclusion for embryos. We're stronger than they are - does that give us the right to dictate what happens to them?

- Rachel E.

This avenue of research has enormous potential, both for furthering scientific understanding and for developing cures for various diseases. I think we would be foolish not to explore it just because some people have religious or moral objections to it. Certainly morality must be kept in mind, but religious concerns are not acceptable reasons for impeding scientific progress. The embryo itself does not suffer, and if the source is leftover embryos from fertility clinics, then these are embryos that would have been disposed of anyway. Using them for research could potentially benefit many, many people worldwide, and alleviate suffering on a grand scale. I for one hope that the ban on this area of research is lifted.

- Caroline

Yes. Do please legislate to enable use of some very early embryonic stem cells for research into limiting the causes of many serious disorders that affect so many humans. During many years of working with women having terminations of pregnancy, who had accurate information about the development,and the degree of, or lack of, perception of their own foetus, it was quite common for them to comment upon the waste of opportunity inherent in the current method of disposal, and non-use of all their pregnancy tissue. Many wished for the opportunity of another way for it to be used it for positive purposes

- Wendy

Questions like this need to be addressed in terms of suffering and benefit. Using human embryos, no one suffers (especially not the embryo, as it has nothing resembling a nervous system, let alone consciousness), and many people can potentially benefit, so for me it's a no-brainer. Others may disagree, but they'd better have substantial reasoning and facts to back it up and not just invoke the usual fairy tales about souls and gods.

- C Smith

No to Human Embryo Research!

- K. Sewell

I'd certainly like a world free of disease, illness, a longer & better life & not have the rest of the world dictate how I should live my life or what I must do with it. Millions of people out there have been waiting for this all their lives so who are those to decide how we live simply because they believe this research is morally unethical! If that be the case, the world should've banned eating meat millenia ago!

- Natalie