KARACHI: Developing a perfectly functioning heart or a liver in the laboratories to replace defective organs may not stay a distant goal.
Scientists in different regions of the world are pursuing this ambitious objective by utilising stem cells — the raw material from which other cells grow.
But this optimistic voyage is not as simple as it may sound, for the conduct and application of stem cell research is morally far more complex and nuanced than other health science areas.
Questions surrounding the acquisition of stem cells and their potential use or misuse worry all communities across the globe.
Therefore, global ethics forums, rules, and regulations are in place to closely follow developments in stem cell research.
How inclusive are these international platforms of perspectives from varied contexts still subject to debate?
Recent research published in Stem Cell Reports reveals that the views of faith communities, notably Muslims, are generally silent in the worldwide dialogue on stem cell ethics.
It promotes the inclusion of Muslim viewpoints so that the guidelines and regulations can speak to all the contexts contributing to or benefiting from this study.
The authors of the paper, who are members of an International Ethics Thinking Group, foresee that this incorporation can help bolster the understanding of the ethical issues, improve global guidelines and regulations, enhance public engagement in ethics debates and policy development, and enable broader participation in the knowledge-based society.
"Religion provides the moral compass for tackling ethical challenges in science and health for faith communities", says Professor El-Nasir Lalani, Professor Emeritus at Aga Khan University and one of the contributors to the research.
Representation of faith communities in creating regulations is vital, especially when controversial sources such as human embryos are exploited in stem cell research, suggest the authors.
"International ethical norms now hinge on dominant approaches to bioethics, which are generally dominated by a principle-driven approach that perceives itself as universal," wrote the authors.
"Nominally secular, this approach has significant, historical ties to the Western Christian tradition."
Acknowledging this inherent bias and the increased participation of Muslim countries in stem cell technology, the authors argue for actively extending the participation of thought leaders from the Muslim world in global discourses.
How will it happen?
A consensus on ethical issues in stem cell research can only be reached by involving all of the stakeholders in a country's Muslim communities, including scientists, ethicists, lawyers, legislators, religious scholars, and the general people.
We need governments and universities to provide chances for stakeholders to learn about others' work and collaborate on solving complicated ethical issues in-house.
Without adequate research, Muslim communities will not be able to build their own unique legislation that can help shape or improve worldwide guidelines.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research, for example, works with thought leaders, academics, and scientists from Muslim societies to help shape international standards for stem cell research.
It is possible to increase public discourse and involvement in Muslim countries by broadening the scope of international engagement.
Increased participation can help build public confidence and protect the public from potentially dangerous and unapproved stem cell therapies.
Muslim participation in the discussion can lead to a better grasp of international guidelines and a greater willingness on the part of Muslims to comply.
Finally, it has the potential to increase the quality of science policies and practices and to encourage greater engagement from the Muslim world in the knowledge society.
The Aga Khan University Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research has provided financial assistance for this completion of the work.