This Christmas, the reading 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth' will inspire us anew, but the Incarnation may also have an important contribution to make to a vital ethical debate.
Stem cells
The dilemma begins with the recent discovery of the treatment potential of 'stem cells', primitive cells which can turn into specific types. They are found in any embryo and are a key part of the development that leads to the birth of a baby. They can also be obtained from umbilical cord blood after birth, or from certain adult tissues such as bone marrow, blood and brain.
Stem cells can be persuaded artificially to develop into different types of tissues for repair of damaged organs - there is, for example, real potential to treat stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis patients with neural cells; to treat cases of hepatitis or cirrhosis with liver cells; to replace skin lost in burns and wounds; and so on.
