Schröder speaks strongly in favour of stem cell research as opposition politicians call for caution
On the same day that German politicians were speaking out in Brussels against the funding of embryonic stem cell research with EU money, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder spoke of a 'duty' to use such research. Mr Schröder was receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Göttingen, where he himself studied, when he spoke of his wish to remove some of the barriers to stem cell research in Germany. 'Germany must not cut itself off from advances in bio- and gene technology in international research,' said the Chancellor. 'We would then be shut out of discussions on the use and control of practices. The research would meanwhile continue in another place. And quite possibly carried out in a way in which ethical matters are given practically no consideration.' Mr Schröder continued is plea for Germany not to be left behind with reference to information technology. 'Where did the dithering get us back then, when it had long been apparent that this development was taking place? The best brains emigrated, fundamental advances were made elsewhere, economic potential was developed elsewhere. We could only begin to halt and reverse this trend in recent years.' The Chancellor's speech was referred to as a 'diversion manoeuvre' by MEP Peter Liese, who represents the CDU, Germany's principal opposition party, in the European Parliament. The Chancellor's comments would not receive a lot of support, even in his own SPD party, Mr Liese added. The Secretary of State for Health in the German state of Bavaria, Emilia Müller, talked of Mr Schröder's speech as 'superficial'. She also made her own plea for restrictions on EU funding in this field. 'It cannot be allowed for European research funding, which includes money from German taxes, to be used to support activities and projects which are forbidden by law in Germany. We need clear rules of the game for EU funding,' she said. 'With vague promises of potential future cures it is once again being sought to justify the killing of human embryos for the collection of stem cells. But an unborn human life also has a claim to protection and human dignity, and should under no circumstances be degraded as a simple spare parts store or research object,' said Ms Müller. The Secretary of State called for further research into the potential of adult stem cells. Opposition towards embryonic stem cell research was not overlooked by Mr Schröder in his address. 'Danger and fears on the one side, opportunities on the other: rarely are the two poles so close together as in gene technology,' he said. The Chancellor declared himself fully aware of fears and doubts and their origins, but said that opportunities should not be ignored because of a possible risk. 'As long as the huge medical potential of stem cell research has not been understood [...] as long as the possibility remains to alleviate suffering and to overcome currently incurable illnesses, we have the duty to use this research. We have to give chance a chance.' The Chancellor also called for an end to the denigration of scientists who have spoken out in favour of working with embryonic stem cells, and reminded his audience that scientific freedom is protected for a reason. 'And I find it presumptuous to doubt the motives of these biologists and doctors. They are putting their research at the service of their fellow humans. They want to help others and cure illnesses. Can there ever be a greater exercise?' Mr Schröder concluded with a personal pledge: 'I want to set to work [to create] a culture of science on a basis of understanding and compromise. And I want to reach a point at which we responsibly use the opportunities inherent in new technologies. And not because I believe that everything that can be done must be done. But because everything that has to be done can also be done.'
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Germany