Sir

Your Editorial “Where theology matters” (Nature 432, 657; 2004 10.1038/432657a) fails to mention that it is scientists, not theologians, who are out of step with society. The seemingly important ethical question, “Why [should society] be denied a medical advance just because some of its members find it morally troubling?”, is disingenuous.

I question the assumption that only a small minority are troubled by the ethics of medical research. In the United States, scientists who believe that “all scientifically sound lines of research should be pursued simultaneously” are in the minority. Although US polls reveal a large majority in support of stem-cell research for therapeutic purposes, they also indicate broad support for President Bush's stance on federal funding restrictions. Scientific progress within strict ethical limitations seems to be the majority opinion.

Thankfully, we live in a democracy where public policy is decided by elected representatives, not a scientific oligarchy. A better question is why certain individuals should be allowed to pursue a line of research when most members of our society find it morally troubling.