June 3, 2005

Stem Cell Ethics Differ in Asia

South Korea's successful cloning of stem cells from the skin cells of 11 different patients stood the scientific world on its head in late May. The research breakthrough brings us closer to the day when therapeutic cloning could be used to treat a variety of conditions, including Parkinson's, diabetes and heart disease. It also signaled that Asian scientists are well positioned to exploit their research advantage, fueled in part by generous government support. America leads in one area: feuding over ethical uses of embryonic stem cells. Asia seems comparatively unbothered. Why? Perhaps the answer lies in different belief systems. While Christianity is rooted in Asia, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism remain the most powerful traditions. And each tradition favors the living person over the unborn. Read the words of Dr.Woo Suk Hwang, who leads the South Korean stem cell team, when asked by the New York Times about the ethical dilemmas of his work. "Maybe this 15 micrometers of skin cell can relieve and save the life of a human being next to me, someone who has suffered for 50 years or who must suffer for 50 years. Of the two, which do you think is ethically reasonable to save?" Western critics who condemn therapeutic and reproductive cloning often accuse scientists of "playing God." But will this criticism matter in societies where -- with the exception of South Korea where Christianity counts many believers -- the majority do not believe in a personal God? Various academics, scientists and journalists have pondered the existence, dynamics and consequences of a particularly "Asian" bioethics. Some have reached contradictory conclusions. Consider the following links an introduction to the topic, which we will periodically explore in the months ahead.

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