Reasons why?
2007-03-10 05:29:37 · 11 answers · asked by Armin 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Stem cell research is legal. All types of stem cell research is legal. The government funds Non embryonic and Adult stems cell research. The government however has a problem with embryonic stem cells because of the way they are obtained through abortions. So they don't fund this type. It is legal to use for research though. Just a note though that researchers have been very unsuccessful with embryonic stem cells garnering any cures. The adult and non embryonic have been very successful.
2007-03-10 05:34:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Stem cell research, per se, isn't considered unethical by anyone, as far as I know. The debate is over the issue of where the stem cells come from. In many research efforts, that isn't a problem--you can harvest the stem cells from different sources (bone marrow, for example).
But for some purposes, the stem cells from embryos are needed. And many people, because of their religious beliefs, object to the use of embryos on the grounds that they believe them to be human beings from the time of fertilization. Other people don't agree with this view--and although everyone agrees the source of stem cells should be strictly limited and monitored, have no objection to using the embryos "left over" from fertility treatments, etc. Their arguement is that these embryos are first, not human beings in any meaningful sense--and will never be and second, that the research holds out the promise of saving many, many lives.
In short, ultimately, where you stand comes down to personal religious beliefs.
2007-03-10 13:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because sex cells in a petrie dish are little humans. Honestly though, I think stem cells are not little humans. People can think its unethical if they want because people are entitled to their opinion, but those who try to prohibit stem cell research are preventing significant advances in medical research that could save thousands if not millions of lives some day.
2007-03-10 14:31:42 · answer #3 · answered by Eisbär 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are TWO kinds of stem cells--please don't lump them together, and here's why:
Embryonic stem cell research is unethical because you have to kill an unborn child to get the cells. Plus they really don't work.
Adult stem cell research is fine, because you don't have to kill anyone to get them, and they actually work!
So I'm all for ADULT stem cell research!
2007-03-10 14:09:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to what "leogirl" heard on the Rush Limbaugh show, embryonic stem cells are the ones that hold by far the most promise for developing cures. The thing about it is, it's tied up in the abortion debate. So since abortion is legal, right now the fetuses must be thrown away and not used for research. I'm not even going to start an abortion argument though.
2007-03-10 13:41:04 · answer #5 · answered by Bad Ichi 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I did a college paper on this. Many people think that it's exactally like abortion because your taking an unborn child BUT!!!!! instead of throwing it away they are using it to help fight disease...there are sooo many cases out there where stem cell research has helped people. After doing all the research I was def. interested in the whole subject :)
2007-03-10 13:39:23 · answer #6 · answered by Christina U 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, ethics are simply a codifed set of rules. And what is ethical depends entirely upon the set of rules being followed. So, asking whether something is unethical is like asking if it is illegal -- unless you specific which set of rules to compare against, the answer is always going to be "it depends".
What you're probably asking is whether stem cell research is immoral. But even that is dependent upon the specific moral framework being used. What's moral in one culture or religion is often immoral in some other culture or religion. So, again, the answer is "it depends on what set of rules you want to apply".
Now, I'll bet that you see a lot of people giving flat "yes" or "no" answers, because they assume that their particular moral or ethical set of rules is the only valid one. But ask yourself whether that assumption is valid.
Personally, I see no problem with using cells that would otherwise be discarded, or even duplicating cells that would be discarded, to advance medical research and seek cures for diseases.
2007-03-10 13:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not unethical if the stem cells are taken from the placenta but it is unethical if a live embryo is killed for the stem cells.
2007-03-10 13:34:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It involves creating a human life, for the sole purpose of harvesting its tissues and then destroying it.
2007-03-10 13:37:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't know! why don't they have leafcell research!?
2007-03-10 14:21:43 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋