Writer's Block: Big Debates
Overall I would say that stem cell research is definitely a good thing. However the concern that the technology derived therefrom could potentially be dangerous is a very real one. The danger is outweighed, however, in my opinion by the hope that lies in the cure for so many diseases through this research. Science is (mostly) a beautiful thing.
EDIT: Also, on the issue of killing an embryo, half the time the embryos used are embryos created for donors who wanted to have more kids, but those donors have now had all the kids they want and no longer need said embryos. So its either dispose of these embryos, or use them for research. I'd say the latter is definitely the better option. And even the ones that are created just for the purpose of research, I don't really see this as wrong per se either. It's basically just like an early term abortion, which I don't necessarily judge against either (even though I'd never suggest this as an option to anyone).
EDIT: Also, on the issue of killing an embryo, half the time the embryos used are embryos created for donors who wanted to have more kids, but those donors have now had all the kids they want and no longer need said embryos. So its either dispose of these embryos, or use them for research. I'd say the latter is definitely the better option. And even the ones that are created just for the purpose of research, I don't really see this as wrong per se either. It's basically just like an early term abortion, which I don't necessarily judge against either (even though I'd never suggest this as an option to anyone).