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With the seventh framework for research is about to be implemented, the EU has not decided yet whether to fund some ethically controversial research projects. The debate is mainly focussed on the so-called embryo consuming research and the research that uses stem cells from human embryos. The question is not so much about knowing whether the EU should grant its ethical backing to this type of research or not, but deciding whether it intends to fund this type of research, which is allowed in most member states but at the same time is banned, sometimes even legally prosecuted, in other countries. Or whether the onus is all on the member states to decide whether this type of research should be declared legal or illegal. This does not prevent the EU discussing the issue from an ethical perspective. Over the last two weeks, two meetings held in Brussels praised the benefits of research into stem cells from human embryos. Thanks to the funds delivered by the 6th framework program, a conference was organised in Brussels on December 15th and 16th, called “Patients and stem cells”, under the aegis of the European Federation of Neurology Associations (Efna), which was attended by patients from 34 countries. In addition, the round table was attended by delegates of European institutions, NGOs and religious representatives. The distribution of attendants was clearly in favour of the supporters of research into embryonic stem cells. The invited patients were not unbiased: when suffering, it is the hope of recovery through modern therapies that takes pride of place. The conference was also focussed on religious aspects: the positions of Judaism, of Islam, of the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church were also illustrated. Comece had proposed that Matthias Beck should speak in the name of the Catholic Church. And he defended the inviolable dignity of human life at every stage of its development. But how can the subject be seriously discussed in a 60-minute session, during which eight speakers and the plenary must take the floor? During a conference held in Brussels on January 12th, a representative of the pharmaceutical industry boasted, with no sound scientific grounds, the potential contents of stem cells, concluding that, while embryonic stem cells still raise a few problems, however “in the long run, they are the best solution ever”. The dishonesty of the representative may well have had the merit of showing the danger that exists in playing with the hopes of patients only for collecting more funds. Not to mention that this one is a fundamental ethical issue that concerns human dignity and that not all member states view in the same way. Should the EU favour those countries in which this type of research is allowed? In our opinion, this would be tantamount to contradicting the ethical stance of the other member countries and to breaching the principle of subsidiarity, according to which in such circumstances the EU should retreat in front of its member states and should not interfere in the areas which are under their jurisdiction with a view to financial incentives.
