Science Friction: Stem Cell Research

The third instalment of RTÉ's documentary series, 'Science Friction' where science and society collide, explores one of the most controversial issues in the history of science: the human embryo and its use in the ground-breaking field of stem cell research. In this episode, presenter Liz Bonnin embarks on a journey to meet the different people, both within and outside the science community, whose lives are touched by the controversy surrounding the embryo. Liz talks to 22-year-old Geoff Harte, who was left paralysed after breaking his neck in a school rugby match, and now believes that stem cells may one day help him to walk again. We also hear from Stephen Sullivan, a Harvard based Irish scientist who uses frozen embryos left over as a result of IVF treatment, as a source of stem cells for his groundbreaking research. On the flip side of the coin, Martin Clynes, a scientist at Dublin City University, explains why he passionately believes that research which destroys human embryos is morally unacceptable. And finally, Liz meets Lisa O'Callaghan who, after giving birth to a daughter thanks to IVF treatment, now finds herself with frozen embryos of her own and confusion over what will become of them. O'Callaghan is not alone; this is an issue particularly relevant to Ireland, where the status of the embryo is mired in ambiguity and embryonic stem cell research remains a no-go area for scientists. Stem cell research is one of the most exciting branches of modern medical science. Stem cells have the ability to transform themselves into any of the over 200 different types of cells found in the human body. Stem cells have been hailed by many scientists as the source of potential treatments for currently incurable conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and spinal injury. However it's not a straight-forward 'good news' story because according to a large body of scientists, the best source of stem cells is currently the human embryo and in order to remove the stem cells, the embryo must be destroyed. The controversy revolves around people's perception of the embryo. To some, it is the very early stage in the life of a human being and must be afforded the same rights as a fully developed person. But, to others, it is a collection of cells which, while having the potential to become a human being, can justifiably be used instead to treat terrible diseases. In this compelling documentary, Bonnin confronts the fact that, sooner or later, the Irish public will have to make a decision on how we view the human embryo.