What is a culture of life? Do those of us who favor stem cell research understand why people oppose it?

Question

While I am for stem cell research, I must understand why people are opposed to it if I am to convince them to be for it.

I think some of the reasons people are against it is they think that this is hurting the "life" issue. The people who are against stem cell research are mainly all pro-life on the abortion issue. They feel that in allowing stem cell research, that this is allowing scientists to do expiriments on "life", and that this might be used to justify abortions. They are saying if you can do expiriments on human stem cells, than what is to stop us from abortions, since you (those of us for stem cell research) are saying these aren't worthy of the "life" label.

Does that make sense? Since I'm neither against stem cell research or pro-life its hard to articulate their aguement, but I want to understand it because I want to persuade them that stem cell research IS the pro-life position.

Answer 1

since when does anyone understand what they oppose?

sounds like you've got a good understanding of the debate already - is it worse to take cells from unborn fetuses or let people who could be help by these cells die instead?

Answer 2

Pretty close. I am not a fundy but I am against large scale gov't funded stem cell research. This is why most ppl like me are against it. Harvesting of stem cells lines that are not presently in the system can ONLY come from human fetus. This means that there is a huge probability that abortion will become a side industry to supply this new stem cell surge. Think about the consequences of this.....and you can see the path that it may lead too.

Good question.

Answer 3

I assume you're refering to fetal stem cell research, instead of cord blood stem cell research.

I do concede that fetal stem cell research can be considered a "pro-life position." But the question is,
why do we place a higher value on the human life standing before us than we do on the human life that lies helpless in a petrie dish?

And why haven't we exhausted all available means to achieve what we want via cord blood stem cells, before we jump into the destruction of an embryo or fetus?

And where, as a society, do we draw the line?

Answer 4

I gotta' say I see it as killing off the immediate future for a future that might not even come.
*Although I admit if they were to set up shop next door to an abortion clinic, it might not be so bad. Then I wouldn't be afraid of some black market where women are told lies that their unborn child is dead or something and the doctor sells the fetus off to the stem cell research group.
Yes, I have a wild immagination, but who can disprove my theory?

Answer 5

One isn't human until they are born. A fetuses doesn't count as human, so it isn't called murder it the eye of the law to have an abortion.

Scientists have been able to do experiments with human embryonic stem cells (hESC) only since 1998, when a group led by Dr. James Thompson at the University of Wisconsin developed a technique to isolate and grow the cells. Moreover, Federal funds to support hESC research have been available since only August 9, 2001, when President Bush announced his decision on Federal funding for hESC research. Because many academic researchers rely on Federal funds to support their laboratories, they are just beginning to learn how to grow and use the cells. Thus, although hESC are thought to offer potential cures and therapies for many devastating diseases, research using them is still in its early stages.

Answer 6

Because destroying stem cells is destroying life. Those "stem cells" are the earliest form of embryonic human life called a blastocyst. If given the chance they could grow into human beings. To destroy that chance would be evil and wrong. Conservatives like Bush want to destroy the cells outright so they can't be used for science, and Liberals like you want to destroy the cells in the name of "research". Conservatives and Liberals are both evil because you both want to destroy the cells. The cells should be given to mothers who want children or something so that they can be given a chance to grow into a child. Those stem cells ARE humans. If I recall correctly, the Nazi's experimented on humans in the name of science as well.

Answer 7

The current method used to acquire stem cells is to kill fetuses. And, before I continue, let me say that fetuses are alive and human. They have human DNA and they produce their own brainwaves. According to the AMA, if someone meets those two criteria, they're alive and human.
All right. I'm not against stem-cell research. What I'm against is the barbaric method used to obtain stem-cells: killing fetuses. What people are to dumb to notice is that amniotic fluid contains a mother lode of stem-cells. That's right. Amniotic fluid contains millions of usable stem cells. If doctors wre to collect this fluid as mothers were giving birth, no one would die and we would have stem-cells. Even Mary Shelley knew how rich in nutrients and crap amniotic fluid is.

So you see, it's not that we're against stem-cell research itself, but against the slaying of innocent souls.

Answer 8

I think that's about it. If not 'justify' abortions, then certainly 'validate' them. I think they worry that labs will engage in mass in-vitro fertilisations for the purpose of growing stem cells (which would likely happen).

To them, they would see this as mass-murder.

It's about the means, not the end. So you'll have a hard time convincing them.

Answer 9

convinced, I oppose it as well. the clarification i imagine is because public help and using public money calls for public action. and then there is the "slippery slope" that all started with birth control, then abortion, then manipulations like "in vitro", cloning and something correct to destruction of embryos. So in that experience, preventing at abortion aids in preventing different unethical practices. you also ought to understand, there is information curious about expertise the approach. So scientists and church leaders have a particular criminal responsibility to protest. And my church leaders like bishops do protest the practices you suggested. it will be superb to take heed to more suitable inspite of the actuality that. yet you received't see the techniques interior the information very a lot which keeps consciences uninformed. And who is going to protest in the experience that they imagine of it as a thanks to have children and keep lives. It sounds functional. wish that permits.

Answer 10

Your avatar depicts your culture. It will attract great harm to you unless you change it. Jesus loves you, and he loves the unborn children. All abortionists and their accomplished are condemned to everlasting death. Jesus loves them while they still live, but when they die.....