human engineering cloning, stem-cell research, and in vitro fertilization

Human EngineeringHuman EngineeringHuman EngineeringHuman Engineering

Cloning, Stem-Cell Research, and In Vitro Fertilization

Cloning, Stem-Cell Research, and In Vitro Fertilization

Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering

Manipulation of genetic material in an attempt to modify the structure of an organism or aid in the transmission of genetic information

Manipulation of genetic material in an attempt to modify the structure of an organism or aid in the transmission of genetic information

The substance of which genes are a part is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a long chainlike molecule.

DNA is the chemical record in which hereditary information is encoded

The substance of which genes are a part is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a long chainlike molecule.

DNA is the chemical record in which hereditary information is encoded

Human genes become defective by mutation and by chromosome aberration

The term eugenics means “sell born through the judicious matching of superior genes”• Negative (altering genetic

endowment by removing or correcting harmful genes)

• Positive (creating new beings).

Human genes become defective by mutation and by chromosome aberration

The term eugenics means “sell born through the judicious matching of superior genes”• Negative (altering genetic

endowment by removing or correcting harmful genes)

• Positive (creating new beings).

Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering

The motivation behind most human genetic engineering research certainly is commendable – not mad scientists

The motivation behind most human genetic engineering research certainly is commendable – not mad scientists

Three Types of Genetic ResearchThree Types of Genetic Research

1.Making minor changes in existing structure – one of two ways:a.By splicing in new genetic

materialb.By altering the material already

present

1.Making minor changes in existing structure – one of two ways:a.By splicing in new genetic

materialb.By altering the material already

presentGoal: improving an organism, or prevention or cure of disease

Goal: improving an organism, or prevention or cure of disease

Few oppose such genetic engineeringFew oppose such genetic engineering


2.Creating new life formsa.Mixing genes to from any two

organism to produce an entirely new creature

b.The result is a hybrid plasmid bearing some characteristics of both original organisms

2.Creating new life formsa.Mixing genes to from any two

organism to produce an entirely new creature

b.The result is a hybrid plasmid bearing some characteristics of both original organisms

Recent benefits: human insulin, superwheat, organisms that eat oil

Recent benefits: human insulin, superwheat, organisms that eat oil

Production of disease-causing bacterium

Development of creatures that can reproduce

Disruption of the ecology New diseases in humans

and plants

Production of disease-causing bacterium

Development of creatures that can reproduce

Disruption of the ecology New diseases in humans

and plants

Dangers Do ExistDangers Do Exist


3.Procreationa.This field embraces artificial

reproductionb.This includes such practices as:

a.Artificial insemination, (AIH, AID)b.Artificial sexual selectionc.Surrogate parentingd.In vitro fertilizatione.Embryo transfer

3.Procreationa.This field embraces artificial

reproductionb.This includes such practices as:

a.Artificial insemination, (AIH, AID)b.Artificial sexual selectionc.Surrogate parentingd.In vitro fertilizatione.Embryo transfer

The Bible and Genetic Engineering

The Bible and Genetic Engineering

Bible is a of complete and perfect source of moral and spiritual information (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pt. 1:3)

Difficult to discover how Bible is to be applied in complex problems of modern society

Must search for the principles that are applicable

Bible is a of complete and perfect source of moral and spiritual information (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pt. 1:3)

Difficult to discover how Bible is to be applied in complex problems of modern society

Must search for the principles that are applicable

Biblical Ethics and Reproduction Technology

Biblical Ethics and Reproduction Technology

Reproductive technologies - techniques that deal with male and female infertility through artificial reproduction

Two distinctive areas in which biblical ethics are relevant to human reproduction technologies: before conception and at conception

Reproductive technologies - techniques that deal with male and female infertility through artificial reproduction

Two distinctive areas in which biblical ethics are relevant to human reproduction technologies: before conception and at conception

Human Reproduction Technologies Before Conception

Human Reproduction Technologies Before Conception

Genetic counseling is a medical speciality that uses the latest

information on birth defects and inherited diseases to help people as

they strive to plan their families, protect their health, and protect the

health of their children.

♦ Counselors have training in genetics♦ Their goal is to translate up-to-date

genetic knowledge into practical, useful information

♦ To date, scientists have isolated over 3,000 genetic defects among humans

♦ Awareness of these defects may aid those at risk in their decision making

Those at risk: People who have a family

history of inherited disease(s) Women who have experienced

two or more miscarriages Workers whose jobs expose

them to a potentially harmful environment

Those married to first cousins or other blood relatives

Etc.

Those at risk: People who have a family

history of inherited disease(s) Women who have experienced

two or more miscarriages Workers whose jobs expose

them to a potentially harmful environment

Those married to first cousins or other blood relatives

Etc.

Two choices:• Terminate a pregnancy if the fetus

is found to be defective – this is both unethical and unscriptural

• To have or nor have children – either choice is ethical and scriptural Birth control is permissible

scripturally – and wise, if there is evidence that a child might be diseased or disabled

Two choices:• Terminate a pregnancy if the fetus

is found to be defective – this is both unethical and unscriptural

• To have or nor have children – either choice is ethical and scriptural Birth control is permissible

scripturally – and wise, if there is evidence that a child might be diseased or disabled

Human Reproduction Technologies At Conception


Reproductive technologies at conception usually include: Cloning Artificial insemination In vitro fertilization.

• 1952 – Briggs and King cloned tadpoles

• 1996 – The first mammal cloned from adult cells was Dolly, the sheep

• 1952 – Briggs and King cloned tadpoles

• 1996 – The first mammal cloned from adult cells was Dolly, the sheep

History of Cloning

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Guardian/gallery/image/0,8543,-10904328739,00.html

July 1998 cloned calves

July 1998 cloned calves

1998 Cloned mouse

1998 Cloned mouse

History of Cloning

December 2001

Five cloned female piglets, named Noel, Angel, Star, Joy and

Mary

December 2001

Five cloned female piglets, named Noel, Angel, Star, Joy and

Mary

December 2001

The world's first cloned kitten, named Cece

December 2001

The world's first cloned kitten, named Cece

History of Cloning

2004 Bull serial-

cloned

2003 Cloned mule

2003 Cloned mule

History of Cloning

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Guardian/gallery/image/0,8543,-10304328739,00.html

Reproductive Cloning The word “clone” derives from the

Greek term klon, meaning a “sprout” or “twig.”

Cloning is an asexual process of reproduction that results in an exact genetic duplicate of the original

Thus, it refers to a method of reproduction apart from the parental, sexual-mating process that is characteristic of most organisms.

The word “clone” derives from the Greek term klon, meaning a “sprout” or “twig.”

Cloning is an asexual process of reproduction that results in an exact genetic duplicate of the original

Thus, it refers to a method of reproduction apart from the parental, sexual-mating process that is characteristic of most organisms.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/human-cloning.htm/printable

Reproductive Cloning

Suggested benefits: Children for unmarried Parents select characteristics Statistical studies Harvest “spare parts” Duplicate likeness of self

Suggested benefits: Children for unmarried Parents select characteristics Statistical studies Harvest “spare parts” Duplicate likeness of self

!

“Producing people in ‘herds’ in order to harvest spare parts, for use in

laboratory statistical studies like so many guinea pigs, or merely to satisfy personal egos in a vain attempt to guarantee physical

immortality is abhorrent”

(Bert Thompson, Ft. Wroth Lectures, 2000)

“Producing people in ‘herds’ in order to harvest spare parts, for use in

laboratory statistical studies like so many guinea pigs, or merely to satisfy personal egos in a vain attempt to guarantee physical

immortality is abhorrent”

(Bert Thompson, Ft. Wroth Lectures, 2000)

Cloning Humans Is Morally Wrong!

• Cloning opposes God’s design for bringing children into the world in a family unit [includes both a husband and wife in the procreation act]

• Marriage is to proceed the bearing of children (1 Tim. 5:14; Gen. 4:1)

• Children are to be reared within the circle of the family unit (Gen. 1:28; 2:24; cf. Eph. 6:1-4)

• Cloning opposes God’s design for bringing children into the world in a family unit [includes both a husband and wife in the procreation act]

• Marriage is to proceed the bearing of children (1 Tim. 5:14; Gen. 4:1)

• Children are to be reared within the circle of the family unit (Gen. 1:28; 2:24; cf. Eph. 6:1-4)


Dolly’s experimenters used 277 cloned embryos to produce one sheep, meaning 276 failed

In attempt to clone one human, hundreds of embryos will be produced and die in the process – embryos are living human beings (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:9)

Dolly’s experimenters used 277 cloned embryos to produce one sheep, meaning 276 failed

In attempt to clone one human, hundreds of embryos will be produced and die in the process – embryos are living human beings (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:9)


Therapeutic Cloning

• “Therapeutic” Cloning creates an embryo for destruction

• Therapeutic cloning involves cloning human embryo cells to get stem cells from them (killing the embryo)

• Stem cell - a cell that has the ability to continuously divide and differentiate (develop) into various other kinds of cells/tissues

Kinds of Stem Cells

Stem cell type Description Examples

TotipotentEach cell can develop into a new individual

Cells from early (1-3 days) embryos

PluripotentCells can form any (over 200) cell types

Some cells of blastocyst (5 to 14 days)

Multipotent

Cells differentiated, but can form a number of other tissues

Fetal tissue, cord blood, and adult stem cells

Stages of EmbryogenesisStages of Embryogenesis

Day 1Fertilized egg

Day 1Fertilized egg

Day 22-cell embryo

Day 22-cell embryo Day 3-4

Multi-cell embryoDay 3-4

Multi-cell embryo

Day 5-6BlastocystDay 5-6

BlastocystDay 11-14Tissue Differentiation

Day 11-14Tissue Differentiation

Derivation and Use of Embryonic Stem Cell Lines

Isolate inner cell mass(destroys embryo)

Isolate inner cell mass(destroys embryo)

Heart muscleHeart muscleKidneyKidney

LiverLiver

“Special sauce”(largely unknown)“Special sauce”

(largely unknown)

Day 5-6BlastocystDay 5-6

Blastocyst

Inner cells(forms fetus)Inner cells

(forms fetus)

Outer cells(forms placenta)

Outer cells(forms placenta)

HeartrepairedHeartrepaired

Culture cellsCulture cells

Possible Uses of Stem Cell Technology

• Replaceable tissues/organs

• Repair of defective cell types

• Delivery of genetic therapies

• Delivery chemotherapeutic agents

Adult stem cells (obtained from adult tissues, cord blood, etc.) do not pose any ethical controversies, since they do not destroy complete human beings

However, embryonic stem cells are isolated by destroying human embryos

Adult stem cells (obtained from adult tissues, cord blood, etc.) do not pose any ethical controversies, since they do not destroy complete human beings

However, embryonic stem cells are isolated by destroying human embryos

Embryonic Stem Cell Engineering Is Morally Wrong

Adult Stem CellsAdult Stem Cells

An alternative source (does not involve the destruction of human embryos)

An alternative source (does not involve the destruction of human embryos)

• Can come from a donor or individual needing treatment

• Limited differentiation?

• Many clinical advantages over ESCs–No tissue rejection–Come from many places in the

body (Placenta, cord blood, bone marrow, kidneys, hair follicles)

• Can come from a donor or individual needing treatment

• Limited differentiation?

• Many clinical advantages over ESCs–No tissue rejection–Come from many places in the

body (Placenta, cord blood, bone marrow, kidneys, hair follicles)


Currently used to treat over 70 diseasesCurrently used to treat over 70 diseases

Leukemia, breast cancer, liver disease, cornea restoration, brain tumors, arthritis, and heart disease

Leukemia, breast cancer, liver disease, cornea restoration, brain tumors, arthritis, and heart disease


C.J. Chiu, professor of cardiothoracic surgery injected adult stem cells from bone marrow into the hearts of rats. These cells differentiated into new heart muscle that made the right connections to nearby cells so they could all beat together.

C.J. Chiu, professor of cardiothoracic surgery injected adult stem cells from bone marrow into the hearts of rats. These cells differentiated into new heart muscle that made the right connections to nearby cells so they could all beat together.

Heart DiseaseHeart Disease


Adult stem cells can be transformed into skin cells which can be used for skin grafts.

Adult stem cells can be transformed into skin cells which can be used for skin grafts.

Skin DiseaseSkin Disease


A team led by University of Florida permanently cured insulin-dependent diabetes in mice, with adult stem cells.

A team led by University of Florida permanently cured insulin-dependent diabetes in mice, with adult stem cells.

Diabetes Diabetes


“Given the abundance of umbilical cord stem cells and the fact that umbilical cord cells are already being used for other disorders like childhood leukemia, many researchers expect that umbilical cord stem cells will start being used to treat stroke victims within the next few years.”

“Given the abundance of umbilical cord stem cells and the fact that umbilical cord cells are already being used for other disorders like childhood leukemia, many researchers expect that umbilical cord stem cells will start being used to treat stroke victims within the next few years.”About Genetics, “Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Hope for Millions?” Feb 2001, (the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science)

About Genetics, “Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Hope for Millions?” Feb 2001, (the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science)


‘Adult stem-cell research … has already shown itself to be extremely promising for treating numerous degenerative diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

‘Adult stem-cell research … has already shown itself to be extremely promising for treating numerous degenerative diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

David Prentice (Ph.D. Genetics), National Review, 2001David Prentice (Ph.D. Genetics), National Review, 2001


“Presently, no one has succeeded using ESCs for human therapeutic or reproductive cloning…”

“Presently, no one has succeeded using ESCs for human therapeutic or reproductive cloning…”

Daniel Criswell (Ph.D. Molecular Biology), “Stem Cell research: Greasing the ‘Slippery Slope’ to Godlessness”, Impact, February 2005

Daniel Criswell (Ph.D. Molecular Biology), “Stem Cell research: Greasing the ‘Slippery Slope’ to Godlessness”, Impact, February 2005


• Celebrity Parkinson's disease victims such as Michael J. Fox and Michael Kinsley regularly tout ESC research as the best hope for a cure of their disease

• Both have remained strangely silent about the fact that researchers treated Parkinson's with the patient's own adult stem cells

• Celebrity Parkinson's disease victims such as Michael J. Fox and Michael Kinsley regularly tout ESC research as the best hope for a cure of their disease

• Both have remained strangely silent about the fact that researchers treated Parkinson's with the patient's own adult stem cells


Artificial insemination (AI) is a means of assisting reproduction

Process involves concentrated sperm being injected into the female reproductive system artificially

Most couples utilize artificial insemination because the husband either is infertile or subfertile

Artificial insemination (AI) is a means of assisting reproduction

Process involves concentrated sperm being injected into the female reproductive system artificially

Most couples utilize artificial insemination because the husband either is infertile or subfertile

AIH designation given to artificial insemination performed using only the husband’s sperm

AID designation given to artificial insemination performed using only donor sperm

AIDH designation given to artificial insemination performed using sperm from both husband and donor

AIH designation given to artificial insemination performed using only the husband’s sperm

AID designation given to artificial insemination performed using only donor sperm

AIDH designation given to artificial insemination performed using sperm from both husband and donor

Sperm SourcesSperm Sources

When the sperm of the husband is used (AIH) the conception of the couples own child results – no biblical principle is violated

The use of donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogate mothers, stands in stark contradiction to God’s plan for the home

The family unit is the avenue by which children may be brought into the world legitimately (Gen. 4:1)

Parental responsibility begins at conception and continues to a point of independent maturity

It is morally wrong for any Christian to surrender his or her reproductive powers to another person, thus ignoring the divine responsibilities connected therewith

The family unit is the avenue by which children may be brought into the world legitimately (Gen. 4:1)

Parental responsibility begins at conception and continues to a point of independent maturity

It is morally wrong for any Christian to surrender his or her reproductive powers to another person, thus ignoring the divine responsibilities connected therewith

• Women could bear children for unmarried men

• Women could bear children for other couples (surrogate motherhood)

• Women could bear children for homosexual men

• Women who are lesbians could have children without a male partner

• Women could bear children for unmarried men

• Women could bear children for other couples (surrogate motherhood)

• Women could bear children for homosexual men

• Women who are lesbians could have children without a male partner

Bert Thompson: serious implications regarding the use of AI

Bert Thompson: serious implications regarding the use of AI

In vitro (IVF) is the procedure whereby the woman’s egg [removed by laparoscopy] is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory Petri dish – the so-called “test tube” baby

Multiple eggs are extracted and fertilized, but only a few (appearing to be the healthiest) are selected for implantation – the remaining embryos are destroyed

In vitro (IVF) is the procedure whereby the woman’s egg [removed by laparoscopy] is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory Petri dish – the so-called “test tube” baby

Multiple eggs are extracted and fertilized, but only a few (appearing to be the healthiest) are selected for implantation – the remaining embryos are destroyed

Even though these embryos were fertilized outside the womb in a Petri dish, they are human

The wholesale production and subsequent slaughter of innocent human embryos in search for the “fittest” that is deemed good enough to be given a chance at survival, is immoral (Isa. 9:6)

Even though these embryos were fertilized outside the womb in a Petri dish, they are human

The wholesale production and subsequent slaughter of innocent human embryos in search for the “fittest” that is deemed good enough to be given a chance at survival, is immoral (Isa. 9:6)

human engineering cloning, stem-cell research, and in vitro fertilization

Documents