Revisiting Battlestar Galactica's Decision to Avoid Using Fetal Stem Cells for Laura Roslin's Cancer

In Battlestar Galactica, the return of President Laura Roslin's cancer presents a complex narrative challenge that goes beyond simple medical treatment decisions. Throughout the show, Roslin's character is often criticized for her poor leadership and decision-making, yet her medical journey provides a poignant exploration of mortality and the realities of facing terminal illness. Her cancer's recurrence adds layers to the narrative, questioning the ethical and practical implications of advanced medical treatments in a resource-constrained environment.

Efficacy and Treatment Limits

When Roslin's cancer reoccurs, the decision not to re-administer the same treatment involves several factors related to its efficacy. Cancer cells can develop resistance to certain treatments over time, making it crucial to consider the likelihood that the initial treatment regimen, which included a combination of chemotherapy and an experimental drug derived from the Cylon hybrid, might not work again. This complexity underscores the unpredictability and evolving nature of cancer treatments, even in a futuristic setting.

Health Risks and Resource Allocation

The aggressive nature of her cancer and the side effects associated with the treatments pose significant health risks. Maintaining the president's health and well-being is paramount, but the side effects of such aggressive treatments could compromise her ability to lead effectively. Additionally, the fleet faces ongoing resource shortages, making it difficult to secure the same treatments. The availability and logistical challenges of obtaining the experimental drug are critical considerations, highlighting the practical limitations in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Narrative Development and Character Arc

From a narrative perspective, Roslin's struggle with cancer serves as a crucial character arc and thematic element. It highlights her mortality and the broader existential struggles faced by the fleet. The decision not to use fetal stem cells, although advanced and theoretically promising, aligns with the show's focus on the ethical and emotional dimensions of medical treatment. This choice allows the narrative to explore the limitations of science and the human condition, rather than focusing solely on medical advancements.

The Role of Fetal Stem Cells in the Show

The use of fetal stem cells in Battlestar Galactica is significant, as these cells are believed to be totipotent or pluripotent, capable of becoming any type of cell. However, the show introduces a twist: Hera's stem cells, derived from a cloned human, possess a mysterious "magic power" that temporarily cures Roslin's cancer. This scenario reflects the real-world scientific optimism about fetal stem cells, where scientists hope for medical breakthroughs, despite few successes.

It is worth noting that Hera's cells had unique properties not found in a normal human foetus. The experimental nature of these cells and their potential to cure cancer adds to the narrative complexity. By Season Three, Roslin's cancer had returned, and Hera was about 1.5 years old. At this point, she no longer possessed the special fetal stem cells that could potentially cure the cancer. This setback in her cancer treatment further complicates her role in the narrative and highlights the challenges of medical treatment in a crisis.

The storyline surrounding Hera also includes her birth, the forced separation from her mother Sharon, and her eventual rescue, adding multiple layers to the character arcs of several major players in the series. This narrative development not only advances the plot but also deepens the emotional investment in the characters and their journeys.

In conclusion, the decision not to re-administer the same treatment for Laura Roslin's cancer in Battlestar Galactica is a multifaceted choice driven by factors such as efficacy, health risks, resource limitations, and narrative developments. This approach enriches the overall storytelling, questioning the ethics and practicalities of advanced medical treatments in a post-apocalyptic setting, and serving as a reminder of the complexities involved in dealing with terminal illnesses.