Stem Cell experts convene on campus

By Jessica Alway

Top figures in the Californian stem cell and cloning controversy converged at Santa Clara University last Friday to teach and to learn. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics hosted an invitation-only dialogue on state regulation of cloning. Although the conference held no official business, it provided an opportunity for those intrigued by the debate to gain a more comprehensive view.

"The University was an ideal place to hold such a dialogue," conference coordinator Margaret McLean said. "These are complicated issues and all of us - both on the campus and in the community - need to deepen our understanding of science and engage in creative conversation."

The panels consisted of professors from universities such as Stanford, University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington, corporation presidents, and accomplished lawyers.

"We tailored the meeting toward people actually involved with the issues. They are members of the public who have more than just a passing interest," she added.

McLean, director of Biotechnology and Healthcare Ethics at Santa Clara, understands the importance of educating the community about cloning research. She is part of a state appointed group of 12 experts, also known as the California Advisory Committee, which has been studying the effects of cloning for the past four years.

The Department of Health Services summoned this panel of representatives from the fields of medicine, religion, biotechnology, genetics, law, bioethics and the general public in 1997 after the legislature passed Senate Bill 1344. This explicit ban on cloning for any purpose placed California in the national minority, as only three other states have such restrictions.

However, a five-year moratorium on cloning of an entire human being was established. Also known as a sunset law, Bill 1344 will expire in 2002. At this time the California legislature will reevaluate the aw and make necessary changes.

The California Advisory Committee was established to attain a general consensus of opinion from experts and California residents on cloning. They will then advise the legislature and governor in this area.

No other state that passed cloning legislation has engaged in such a process of public participation. Despite the National Bioethics Advisory Convention's (NBAC) call for public dialogue in 1997, the federal government has yet to create an organization to facilitate such a effort.

The California Committee recently issued a statement agreeing with the NBAC that there is a need to provide information and education to the public. This is why McLean arranged the dialogue at Santa Clara.

"A debate is different from just reading an article," senior Maureen Ross, a biology major, said. "It enhances discussion by bringing forth new ideas and promoting understanding."

The final session of the conference was reserved specifically for general discussion. It was a time for participants to evaluate the information they received and make comments.

"I learned a lot about how the cloning issue affects real people," senior Samantha Shenoy said. "Now I realize the therapeutic benefits and I support new legislation."

The conference represented a unique opportunity for members of the public to converse with and advise the Advisory Committee itself.

"We value the public's opinion," McLean said. "We want to inform, but also listen."

Though not all members of the advisory committee attended, many participants shared their views with McLean.

"It is really great timing," Miller said. "The issue is big right now."

In fact, the California Advisory Committee is rushing to meet its December 2001 deadline. The recommendations must be completed and submitted to the California legislature by this time.