Stem Cells Can Become Embryos

Dr. John Shea, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

The early embryo (up to 16 days post fertilization) is composed of cells, called blastomeres, which are considered to be totipotent, that is, capable in isolation and of forming a complete embryo. This capacity is due to a process called “regulation”, a natural tendency or property inherent in these separated cells or groups of cells. These separated blastomeres have been dubbed “embryonic stem cells” by those who use them for research. (Geoffrey Sher et al. In Vitro Fertilization: The A.R.T. of Making Babies ) Copyright 1998 by authors; information by contacting Facts On File, Inc. 11 Penn Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10001 pp.20

Researchers most commonly isolate human totipotent blastomeres from so-called “left over” living embryos produced by in vitro fertilization and frozen down between the 4-8 cell stage. (Fugger et al., 1991) … “Moore and Persaud”. Pg.39. Research workers may less commonly isolate totipotent human blastomeres from the embryo as late as the blastocyst stage. ( 5-7 days post fertilization).

When separated from the embryo these cells may:

1. Spontaneously become another new embryo
2. May be biologically manipulated (cloned) to produce specific tissues…a process which kills the embryo
3. They may die

These totipotent blastomeres naturally strive to become and frequently succeed in becoming new embryos themselves, which in turn may be cloned and killed.

Experts in the field of in vitro fertilization are aware of these facts. Prof. Dr. Mithhat Erenus has stated… “Since each early embryonic cell is totipotent… embryo multiplication is technically possible… the critical period of development to ensure success… is reported to be between the 4 and 8 cell stages… for couples who have less than 3 quality embryos for transfer, blastomere separation could be of benefit.”
(See Prof. Dr. Mithhat Erenus “Embryo Multiplication”.)

Research workers clone human embryonic stem cells to produce other kinds of cells

In vitro fertilization experts, knowing that some of these cells are probably embryos, use this knowledge to assist them in their task of helping a woman to bear a child.

Since some embryonic stem cells are probably embryos, and since we do not know which cell IS and which cell IS NOT an embryo, and since using that embryo for cloning would kill it, it is not morally right to use human embryonic stem cells for the purposes of research or tissue production.