That researchers are NOT asking women to "get pregnant and get an abortion" so they can have the fetus for research! Other means are available. F.Y.I. Thousands of women misscarrie naturaly every month in this country alone.
2006-07-20 12:14:35 · 12 answers · asked by makamaepohaku 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Stem cells come from artificially fertilized embryos, typically used for invitro fertilization. They do not come from abortions or miscarriages.
Currently, there are "extra" embryos that could be used, and the argument is that they will probably get thrown out anyway. They were originally created for invitro fertilization, but for one reason or another will not be used.
The argument against this research is that in the future, scientists will not just use "extra" embryos, but will begin fertilizing eggs for the sole purpose of research. This is seen by some as a moral abuse of human life.
While I do think there are moral issues that have to be worked out, I think today's political arguments are overblown. Bush just stopped federal funding of this research, he did not stop privately funded research. And there are other sources of stem cells that are nearly as good, including the umbilical cord, that are still fully supported. But no-one even discusses those. In any case, there is very little corporate research (perfectly legal) being funded for embryonic or other stem cells, so my bet is that this not as much potential benefit as claimed. It's just a political football for both parties.
2006-07-20 12:30:38 · answer #1 · answered by freebird 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The whole debate is not about whether there should be some research using stem cells. Pretty much everyone believe that it is necessary for future scientific advancement.
The real problem is about what kind of stem cells to use and whether the federal government should pay for embryonic stem cell research.
You are right about the miscarriage embryos though there are not nearly enough in the earliest stages of development to satisfy researchers. Aborted fetuses are have too much of the stem cells damaged by the process to be of significant use.
What is generally ignored by the media is that there are sources of stem cells available (and used by some researcher) that do not involve the destruction of a human embryo. You can even donate stem cells from your own body anytime.
The biggest part of the debate though involves whether the federal government should pay for the research using embryonic stem cells. There is, in the minds of many Americans, a huge moral problem with using these stem cells. Many people in America believe that it requires the killing of a human being to harvest those cells. When there is so many people that feel so strongly about a subject like that, there is little chance that politicians are going to go against the voting populace for fear of losing their jobs in the next election. And that is the way it should work since the Congress is supposed to be representative of their constituants.
2006-07-20 19:34:51 · answer #2 · answered by wkonwtrtom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vetoed bill DOES NOT ban the research. This bill said federal money should be spent on that research. The effect of the veto is that private money can still be spent on current and future research.
With the possible return on investment astronomically high, some bio-tech researchers are working in the area, but it is a gamble.
There ARE CURRENT research projects going on with fetal stem cells, but most researchers and physicians feel there is little to be gained. There is no prohibition on the research going on and any couple that has an embryo in storage MAY CHOOSE to give that to research. There is NO PROHIBITION of future research.
2006-07-20 19:45:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is morally wrong to create life just to kill it.Whether that be cloning embryos or having an abortion.
Embryonic stem cell research has provided no beneficial results while adult and cord blood cells have.
Embryonic stem cell research is still legal and any private source that wishes to can fund it,but folks aren't knocking their door down to give them money.
And that miscarriage,you going to scoop it out of the toilet and donate it or what?
2006-07-20 19:32:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are tons of sources of stem cells including, adult stem cells, and umbillical stem cells. If a baby dies naturally, and the parents donate the body to science, then I have no problem with the cells being used. These do not involve the premeditated murder of human life. If we approve of stem cells from aborted babies, that would be as bad as supporting abortion ourselves.
2006-07-20 19:20:28 · answer #5 · answered by acaykath 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think stem cell research is fine. What is wrong with it?? If it would save thousands of lives , I wouldn't mind at all. Unless it was used for bad purposes then I would say no. But go ahead lets get on with it.
2006-07-20 19:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by silverboy470 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should be a little more responsible with themselves. I think that you are crossing a line of morality when it comes to abortion, whether the parent wants it or not. The fact is that when the sperm combinds with the egg cell, you become born, that is when you are brought to life. To take that life away is murder. It's the same as someone going out and killing in the streets.
2006-07-20 19:19:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know?
Why in the world do they want to harvest stem cells from umbilical cords when adults stem cells work just as well?
2006-07-20 19:19:22 · answer #8 · answered by nancy jo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I know researchers aren't asking for baby farming.
Did you know that this category is Religion and Spirituality?
2006-07-20 19:18:16 · answer #9 · answered by Netchelandorious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most folks had the 411 on this.
2006-07-20 19:47:34 · answer #10 · answered by Sam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋