Stem Cells?

Question

Not many people know that the "fetuses" used for stem cells are actually the fertilized eggs infertile couples use to have a child, the doctors make dozens of extras to better increase the odds of getting the woman pregnant. The ones they dont use are thrown away like common garbage. (or more like common biohazard garbage.)

So my question is if it is murder to use stem cells to potentionally save another life, then why is it that doctors are allowed to make dozens of fertilized eggs and throw away the extras?

Its just a freindly debate so please no one get too offended.. I could debate either way and dont have too strong a moral conviction.

Answer 1

This one is a loser for everybody. Even when you explain things in clear English, there are some folks who will never get the point. Their little minds are hopelessly closed to any idea that hasn't been implanted by their clergyman or loudmouth politician.

I'm sure some brilliant Congressman or Senator will be soon introducing a law that requires all unused embryos from fertility treatments to be cryogenicly preserved in perpetuity. Either that or a rule requiring all embryos to be implanted, one each year in the mother until they are all used up. We can't have them going into the garbage bucket, now can we? And we certainly can't use them to try and save lives. The pro-life crowd doesn't like that.

Answer 2

Lots have already given the reason that it is embryonic stem cell research that Catholics are against. That is correct. It is also important to note that Adult stem cell research currently helps with the treatment for over 70 diseases. Embryonic stem cell research is not nearly as promising from what they have done so far - it has produced zero treatments. Why not put money into the method that is producing results (adult stem cells) instead of putting money into a pipe dream that 1.) kills embryos and 2.) doesn't seem to be the miracle cure that people hoped?

Answer 3

Maybe this will end the debate.

The govt sets up a national registry in which every American would register their opinion of stem cell research.This could be done when renewing a drivers license, or getting a jury notice, or many other ways. Parents will do it for their kids up until the age of 18, at which time the child can register his own decision.

When a person has a condition that can be treated with a stem-cell derived treatment, the doc would simply go into the registry and check the person's feelings about stem cell. If they support stem cell, they get treated. If they oppose stem cell, they are sincerely apologized to, then told to go home and die.
And wonderfully, this will give anti stem cell parents the opportunity to sentence their own children to death or misery.

Answer 4

also from nonalcoholic2's linked article:
But Dr. Anthony Atala, head of Wake Forest’s regenerative medicine institute and the senior researcher on the project, said the scientists still don’t know exactly how many different cell types can be made from the stem cells found in amniotic fluid. The scientists said preliminary tests in patients are years away.

The cells from amniotic fluid “can clearly generate a broad range of important cell types, but they may not do as many tricks as embryonic stem cells,” said Dr. Robert Lanza


this is the exact claim made long long ago when they started using stem cells from amniotic stem cells.
why are they rehashing old news?

Wizdom, so i assume you are going to write your congressman and demand that all fertilization clinics, that give unfertile parents children, be closed down? afterall, you just stated, you are moreally biased against them!


I agree with you McKim, But do you really know what happens to these embryos that are disposed of as bio-hazardous waste?

they are slid into an autclavable container, and placed into an autoclave where they are steam cooked at about 250 degrees, for about 30-45 minutes depending on the material they are stored in, and the dish that is used in the autoclave.
pretty wasteful, and a sad fact, that right-wngers are so full of themselves, they can even consider reason.

Answer 5

No, its not. How many times guys jack off and lose their sperms? Is that murder.
When ever the girl doesn't get pregnant the egg is destroyed. Is that murder no.
We do a lot worser things in the world, that doesn't help anyone or do any good. What if someone in your own family only can be saved by a miracle of stem cell? Would you accept it, or let the person die?
Stop being a hypocrite and help stem cell research.

Answer 6

I'd like to correct your use of the term "fetus." It is often used incorrectly. In order to debate fetal stem cell research, it must be understood that:

A fertilized egg is a zygote. It then becomes a blastocyst. These are just cells dividing. The blastocyst attaches itself to the uterine wall. A embryo develops within the blastocyst in about 10 days. At 2 months, it is referred to as a fetus. Once born it is referred to as a newborn or baby. This is the appropriate medical terminology.

Embryonic stem cell research uses the zygote.

Answer 7

Whatever your position, it is about to become a moot point. Scientists have discovered that amniotic fluid contains the same stem cells and can be harvested without damage to the embryo. We will now have a non-controversial source for stem cells for research.

Answer 8

The 1996 Dickey Amendment prohibited the use of federal funds for research that would involve the destruction of human embryos. That was during the Clinton Administration.

Report: Amniotic fluid yields stem cells
Technique doesn't harm embryos; called 'giant step forward' for research
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16514457/

Answer 9

Good question but you seek the answers to a smoke screen.

The answer is science does not want to use embryonic stem cells. Thet dont work very well. They want to use cord blood stem cells and adult stem cells. This is where all progress is currently being made.

The only ones who want to use embryonic stem cells are abortionists and the manufacturers of baby grinding machines used to grind them up for the stem cells...........follow the money!

Answer 10

Stem cell research is not murder. It's going to save many more lives than it kills and it already is. Stem cells can eradicate diabetes and many other disease. Besides, GOPs and all you religious God-lovers, aren't you concerned about immigration being a burden to the economy? Arent new babies a burden to the economy, too??!!! Down with religion, up with Stem cell research! Pro-choice all the way, baby!