No time was wasted getting to the heart of the debate about the use of human embryos in stem cell research at the Sept. 17 public policy discussion that opened the Ansary Symposium on Stem Cell Research at Weill Cornell Medical College.
"A human embryo, the result of conception, should be considered a human being, with all the legal and moral rights assigned to that individual."
That was the stand taken by Christopher Tollefsen, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and director of graduate studies at the University of South Carolina.
Christopher Tollefsen, Ph.D. (left), and Arthur Caplan, Ph.D., guest speakers at the 2008 Ansary Symposium on Stem Cell Research, Sept. 17.
Responding to Tollefsen was Arthur Caplan, Ph.D., director for bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.
"A human embryo is merely a 'potential' human being. Outside of the womb, the embryo cannot develop into a human being. Therefore it cannot not be considered a 'person,'" said Caplan.
Moderated by Bob Bazell, NBC's chief science and health correspondent, the discussion focused on the proper use of human embryos in stem cell research, which has the potential to lead to cures for diseases such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's.
A standing-room-only audience listened closely to the arguments being made and later had an opportunity to ask questions and comment on the topic.
(From left) The Honorable Hushang Ansary, Bob Bazell and Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr.
Hosted by the Honorable Hushang Ansary, vice chairman of Weill Cornell's board of overseers; his wife, Shahla; and Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., the symposium was a first for the Ansary Stem Cell Institute at Weill Cornell Medical College, which was established in 2004.
The Institute takes a synergistic approach to stem cell research and brings together physician-scientists from diverse areas of biomedical research to explore the intricacies of stem cells. Under the leadership of the Institute's director, Dr. Shahin Rafii, the Arthur Belfer Professor of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell, researchers are committed to taking a bold path to redefine the possibilities of medicine, and ultimately, to use stem cell science to save lives and reduce human suffering.
"This is a hot-button issue in the fields of medicine, research and bioethics," said Dr. Gotto, dean of the Medical College. "Thanks to the support of Ambassador Ansary and his wife, we hope this debate will be the first of many as we confront the issues surrounding stem cell research and add to the global discussion about the future of this research."
Photography by Joe Vericker/Photo Bureau.