Should scientists be allowed to develop immortalized human stem cell lines for use in creating powerful new medical therapies? Should the the government fund aspects of this research?
On Saturday, March 29th, 2002 following a daylong symposium on the science, law and ethics of stem cell research, these questions will be put to a vote before a representative body of National Science and Technology Council. This Council advises the President and Congress on issues such as this.
Part of the session will focus on the science of stem cell research. Many researchers believe that cell replacement therapies based on this research hold out promise for the treatment or cure of many diseases like cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and other serious neurological disorders. Some scientists question, however, whether it will ever be necessary to use stem cells derived from embryos or fetuses. It will also focus on the ethics and law of stem cell research.
A panel of speakers on all sides of the issues will present their views. A final plenary session will allow the audience and students to put questions to the day's roster of speakers.
Should the government fund stem cell research?
The technology exists to use human stem cells for medical purposes. These cells can be harvested from several sources. This is an extremely controversial isue which the National Science and Technology Council must consider. To do this, they must have advice from people who are experts in this area. You have been asked to be part of a committee consisting of a a scientist, an ethicist, and a politican. You will take on the roles of the experts and will make recommendations based upon your research. These recommendations must answer the following question:
The Big Question
What recommendations should the committee make to the National Science and Technology Council regarding the use of government funds for stem cell research ?
1.) You will be assigned to teams of 3 students.
2.) Background information for all students.
Before you can begin to investigate the issues surrounding stem cell research, you will need to understand the science of stem cells and how they are being used for research. Use the worksheet to record your information. The following Internet sites will help you to gain this knowledge.
3.) Each team member will take a certain role. This decision is made within the group.
You will research the issue of stem cell research from the point of view of the role you are playing. You will examine internet sites listed under your role plus any print resources you can obtain. You will keep a record of the websites and print materials with a summary or notes you take. This information will be handed in and is part of your individual grade.
Roles
Internet links have been provided for each role. Please feel free to search for related sites or use the Library/Media Center for current resources such as newspapers or periodicals.
Scientist/
Researcher
You have been working for the NIH (National Institute of Health) in Bethesda, Maryland on stem cell replacement. As part of a team you are involved in many aspects of stem cell research. You are very excited about the possibilities it may offer to improve the quality of life for many Americans. Since this research is rather new there are many unanswered questions and possibilities. You need funding to continue your research and need to explain to your group why this is so important. Some questions you need to be able to answer are: How will stem cell research benefit humanity?
What is necessary for stem cell research to be able to take place?
Ethicist
You investigate the ethical implications involved in using technology and medicine for the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC). Your job is to look at all sides of the stem cell research issues. Some questions you need to be able to answer are: What are the ethical issues which surround this research?
Who are the groups who will have ethical objections to make against this research?
What are these objections?
Politician
You are a leader on the Health and Human Services Committee. This department oversees federal spending on medical research. The NIH has applied for 250 millions dollars to be used for stem cell research. Many of the voters in your district have communicated that they want this research funded for personal reasons such as family health problems that might be helped by this. On the other hand other voters have written to you about not funding this research because of religious and moral concerns. You need to be able to respond to these voters intelligently about these issues. Also you have been asked to work with the scientist and ethicist to make recommendations. Some questions you need to be able to answer are: Why are some voters for stem cell research and some are against it?
What role does the government play in this issue?
4.) Next you will meet with your group and share your information based on your role. You will listen and take notes as your teammates share their research. You will need to reach consensus concerning what recommendations you will make to National Science and Technology Council.
What will your groups recommendation to the council be?
5.) Now your team will write the recommendations you have agreed on. Working as team you will decide how you are going to present your recommendations to National Science and Technology Council. You may give an oral presentation, or a multimedia presentation, such as PowerPoint or film.
6.) You will have to present to the National Science and Technology Council a comprehensive summary of the findings of your group. You must explain to the National Science and Technology Council the recommendations you have come to as a group, justifying each of these recommendations. This presentation must be presented in as professional a manner as possible. Remember that no PowerPoint or visual aid can stand by itself - it can only complement your presentation. At the end of the presentation, you must be prepared to answer questions from Committee members.
7.) You as an individual will write a summary of your groups decision as a transactive piece for your notebook. You may use the notes you took from the websites and the notes you took from your fellow group members.
