Why?
2007-11-08 08:06:54 · 12 answers · asked by Fullmetal 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
They are not against stem cells, nor are they against stem cell RESEARCH. They are against EXPANDED FEDERAL FUNDING of EMBRYONIC stem cell research due to the ethical issues involved with such research. They are not limiting the continuation of such research using private funds and President Bush was the first President to actually sign bills authorizing federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cells have actually shown remarkable results. Stem cells from umbilical cords also show promising results. Neither of these sources presents the same ethical issues as embryonic stem cells and the results seem more promising.
This tends to get spun by the media to make Republicans seem like a bunch of meanies. The fact is that if embryonic stem cell research produces promising results, federal funding will not be needed. This research will attract the multitude of private investors who are funding the other types of stem cell research. That's the way the free market works. Investors are always looking for solid investments but they shy away from things that look highly speculative or are very unproven.
2007-11-08 08:18:06 · answer #1 · answered by S C 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your question is incomplete, Or misinformed like most Demos. Republicans are not against Stem Cell research. Stems cells can be harvested from a number of resources. Including cord blood, and adults. Both show promise.
Where the rub and real problem comes in is at Embryonic stem cells, this is taking a fertilized human embryo and destroying it but removing stem cells. We all started life as an embryo, so by taking those cells it is killing a person.
2007-11-08 16:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by jadamgrd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, there is a BIG difference between stem cell research and Embryonic stem cell research. I have no problems with stem cells obtained from adults, umbilical cords, or the uterus. I DO have problems with stem cells obtained from human embryos. This is misunderstood by many people, which is why the Republicans are attacked so much.
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are obtained from the blastocyst of an embryo, which often results in the destruction of the embryo, which has been removed from the mother's womb. This is unnatural and disrespects human dignity. Many of the embryos are 'discarded', with a very small percentage being 'adopted'.
What many people don't realize is that ESCs are MUCH less promising than other sources of stem cells, and to date have fielded NO cures. They have been shown to be both tumorigenic and immunogenic, which means they are more readily rejected by the immune system and readily form TUMORS. Adult stem cells (ASCs) are actually more likely to be successful during their injection, and have been successfully used (along with those derived from umbilical cords, etc.) in cures, such as sickle cell anemia, or as an alternative to a bone marrow transplant. They have even been engineered to exactly imitate ESCs.
ESCs are over-rated and highly controversial. ASCs (etc.) have already fielded cures, are still promising, and are completely and unquestionably and ethical alternative.
So, next time you hear someone say that Republicans are against stem cells, you can tell them otherwise!
2007-11-08 16:34:22 · answer #3 · answered by Daewen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They're not against stem cells. They are against the tax payers funding the research - big difference. There are numerous private companies doing stem cell research. There are also numerous studies that suggest adult stem cells work much better than embryonic.
2007-11-08 16:29:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The pharmacy's are owned by the rich Republicans and drugs is a big business. Stem cell research could cure a lot of illnesses that now people have to rely on drugs to do.
Between the oil company's and the drug companies they own the country. So no alternative fuel will be discovered nor will any thing that might cure diseases.
They site using aborted fetuses as the reason and call it moral. But if morals is really what they are worried about why do they send thousands of young men to their death in Iraq?
They already proved that the stem cells used are not from live babies.
2007-11-08 16:21:34 · answer #5 · answered by Steven 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
They are not against stem cell research. But many of them are against getting stem cells from fetuses. That's similar to abortion and conceivably could lead to a black market in which fetuses are sold for profit.
2007-11-08 16:18:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heh. If stem cells improve grammar and spelling, you should try to get some. :-)
They aren't against stem cell research. They are against harvesting stem cell from fetuses. Big difference.
2007-11-08 16:12:07 · answer #7 · answered by gcason 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Why do Democrats are misunderstand no public funding of stem cell.
2007-11-08 16:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by wigginsray 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are not against stem cell research but the source from which they are acquired. the most "promising" is believed to come from embyos and that is the sticking point. the destruction of one life to save another.
2007-11-08 16:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by BRYAN H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Misinformation, they believe stem cells are harvested from aborted fetuses which is entirely untrue.
By the fetal stage has occurred the cells have already began to specialize making them entirely useless to any form of stem cell research.
2007-11-08 16:12:35 · answer #10 · answered by smedrik 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋