Why can't the government let individuals decide what to do with stem cells?

Question

Here's an idea for what to do about stem cells. If the genetic parents of an embryo both agree it's OK, then let those particular embryos be used for the research with federal funds. If I have to pay for creating an embryo, then it's mine and I should be able to decide how it should be used. There is no ethical boundary crossed by allowing federal funding, because it is my embryo. If you don't want your embryo to be used, then it won't be. Seems more practical than government approved 'ethics'.

I suppose following your example, if a bunch of atheists take offense to in God we Trust, we should replace the entire US currency to make sure we don't offend anyone's religious sensibilities?

Answer 1

People already have the right to decide what to do with their embryos. The issue is the use of Federal (taxpayer) Funds to pay for it. The ethical boundary is forcing people who are fundamentally opposed to the practice for moral reasons to pay for it. There is no law that prevents private funds being used for this purpose.

The dirty little secret is that no private entity sees very much promise in these embryonic stem cells. If they were the panacea they are claimed to be, drug companies would be spending billions on research.

So far, all these embryonic stem cells have shown is an inherent instability that results in high instances of cancer. Not exactly what we seek.

However, adult stem cells are showing great promise.

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Answer 2

Amusing logic. It's my embryo but I want to use other people's money to study it. Why not take your argument all the way? Why not say, use my embryo and my money?? That's the logical extention of your argument.
If you can't see that, it's no wonder that you can't see the ethical question regarding use of federal funds (our collective money) to pay for something that is considered morally wrong by many (go ahead, attack my values. They're not yours after all...).
If embryonic stem cell research were so promising, private companies would be willing to invest more money into research. Understanding that requires some knowledge of the market and capitalism.
You should know that a lot of progress has been made in finding cures for Parkinson's, and other diseases that have traditionally been the reason cited for the need for embryonic stem cell research. Progress involving NO stem cells or at least no embryonic stem cells.
A lot of people see the debate over embryonic stem cells as a veiled abortion rights argument. It's not just stem cells they want to research, it's embryonic stem cells. No, I don't want to discuss abortion but I hope you see the connection.

If you want to study embryonic stem cells, and you've got some to study, spend your money and go study them. If you can't get investors, maybe it's just not a good idea.

Answer 3

Someone mentioned Pharm. Companies financing it because they will "make money" off the research - in actuality stem cell research is searching for cures that would decrease the need for medication.
This is not playing Frankenstein with anything - this is looking for valuable cures and treatments for diseases and injuries, how can you be against that? If we can cure a Quadraplegic why would that be a bad thing? Bet your butt wouldn't think it was so Frankenstein if you were the one breathing through a tracheostomy and unable to move enough to scratch your own nose! If it was your Grandmother with Parkinson disease or even your spouse (Parkinson's can hit young!) wouldn't you want to do something to help them? Would it be Frankenstein to make young people, such as Micheal J. Fox be able to pick up their children again instead of worrying all the time that their tremors might cause them to drop them? How about curing your child of diabetes? You mean to tell me that you would say "sorry junior - you keep poking yourself 4 times a day and suffer life long complications and an early death because I won't let you have the Frankenstein cure!"

Stem cell research is far from Frankenstein and ya know what if the government flushes billions down the toilet every year on war and assinine aid to countries who wouldn't give us the time of day in an emergency then lets put some of our tax dollars to work on caring and curing our own citizens. If people want to donate their unused embryo's then to me this is the same as organ donation - it's a personal gift to someone else to improve their quality of life.

Answer 4

You are missing the point. YOU can do what you want with the embryos, what the argument is, don't use tax money to fund the experiments. If you want to throw them in the trash or flush down the toilet, its up to you, but when you pay a "dr" to play Frankenstein with tax money that is the issue. If there is so much great hope, then why don't the pharmaceutical company offer to pay for the testing they are the ones who will make the money off of it any way.

Answer 5

Why should I, as a taxpayer, have to pay for your embryo?

No, actually, it didn't. "If the genetic parents of an embryo both agree it's OK, then let those particular embryos be used for the research with federal funds." There are labs doing independent embryonic stem cell research. People who aren't in favor of it, shouldn't have to foot the bill.

Answer 6

There are diverse styles of stem cellular learn, you may desire to be particular. The least efficient is embryonic. there is not any obtainable learn. Then there is person stem cells, umbilical twine cells, and yet another. the full component has been politicized with the aid of Democrats. they are asserting that Republicans, extraordinarily the religious suitable, is against stem cellular learn. this could be a lie. we are against the embryonic with the aid of fact it creates existence to ruin it. What maximum conservatives do no longer want is FEDERAL funds for use. Make it a private sector difficulty. that's such a controversy with the aid of fact it bargains with emotional themes of ailment.

Answer 7

I agree with you. But, the government isn't that rational, and seeks to force religion on everyone. Namely, Christianity. Bush has even professed this goal in his previous governmental positions.

Answer 8

This is also consistent with the movement to keep DNA/genomes patent-free. I like it!

To Captain Spalding - Wow, this question went way over your head, didn't it.

Answer 9

because the government can never make up its mind about anything.