Computing with DNA

Elaborating on Fost’s comments, Shapiro stressed that it is scientists who must ultimately decide on the ethical use of their innovations. “Ethical issues will always accompany science,” he said, adding that making public policy on such charged issues in a liberal democracy is by definition fraught with difficulties. First, there is the right of the individual to pursue his or her own life, goals and, in the case of a scientist, his or her chosen research direction. “But in such a society of moral pluralism, where citizens are free to follow their own conscience, no one can occupy the moral high ground alone,” Shapiro stated. The task of a liberal democracy is to use the political framework to bind citizens with differing beliefs together. The government clearly has a legitimate right to act in the ES cell area, but how does one set public policy that is based on the majority but respects other beliefs about such sensitive issues? While polls indicate that the majority of US citizens support ES research, the concerns of the minority, whose consciences are deeply offended due to a belief that the embryo has a moral status equal to any other person, must also be taken into account. Add this to changing political winds, and the present situation in the USA is the result. “We have never found a ground of discussion on these issues, unlike the UK,” said Shapiro. Another problem unique to the USA in developing a cogent public policy for stem cell and cloning research is the impact commercial and market incentives have in biomedical research, said Shapiro. “Market solutions don’t necessarily lead to just solutions,” he observed. Both Fost and Shapiro expressed optimism for the future, however, citing the historical US opposition to IVF. Some were opposed on the basis of fear of the unknown, and some on the basis of moral repulsion. Within a quarter century of the first IVF birth, public opinion has changed radically. Fost and Shapiro believe that, over time, public opinion on stem cell research and cloning will follow a similar trajectory as the benefits become apparent. No doubt all those at ICE would like to believe that, too.