President Bush was vilified for not allowing federal funding for stem cell research. These stem cells originated from "thrown away" embryos in fertility labs, and since they were "garbage", they could be used for experimental research that has the potential to cure diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. The thought that fully realised embryos, which, if they were merely implanted into a womb would grow into a child, was not something President Bush could support with federal funds. It amounts to aborting an embryo before it's even been in a womb. There was a common misconception that he made it "illegal". He did not. He just didn't want American tax dollars supporting it. Just like regular abortion.
Then our saviour, Barak H. Obama came into office and reversed that decision immediately. But it's too late. American scientists have figured out how to create stem cells without a fertilized embryo ( http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2009/04/25/scientists-make-history-find-new-way-to-create-stem-cells/ ). But it's probably no matter. Experimenting on potential children is the "change" we voted for.
2 comments:
The cells produced are not the same. http://tinyurl.com/cajmmt
I used your piece in my classes today. Their interest was immediate and opinions just flew. It was evident in just a few moments that everyone had opinions and very little fact. We were online in a heartbeat and researching like crazy.
We found that your anonymous commentor had a point. Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are differrent. Embryonic stem cells can be used for anything. Adult stem cells can be used for one or two purposes. You need to have an end result in mind when you use the adult stem cells like generating nerve cells or skin cells or organ cells. The adult stem cells are purpose driven, the embryonic cells are a blank slate. But when you use stem cells don't you usually have a specific purpose in mind? So is using embrionic stem cells necessary?
I teach in a Catholic High School and bringing in the views of the church is not only permitted but required and we had that to consider also. Of course, it is not required that you agree with the church only that you are informed.
I wanted to thank you for allowing me to use your article. It sparked the kind of great discovery and discussion day I had hoped.
Thank you so very much. I admire your points of view and your ability to express yourself.
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