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I've been asked to post my opinion of embryonic stem cell research so here goes...
I think that this type of research should be allowed on embryos that are left over from in-vitro fertilization attempts (12 were created, 4 were used, one 'took' and the other 8 would be destroyed). I have problems with creating more than are necessary for the fertilization process so that there are left-overs to be destroyed in the FIRST place, but that goes to the abortion issue.
I'm absolutely opposed to creating these embryos solely for the purpose of stem-cell research. I think that creating life to experiment on it smacks of Hitler-ian practices.
As to who should pay for this research, I'm unsure. If it holds promising results, private industry will fund it in the hopes of making big profits later. If the expectation is a little more unclear, it is expected that government pay for it. The expectation must be pretty cloudy based on the clamor for the government to fund it and the rancor with which the President is spoken about for opposing government funding.
This has become such a political issue because neither side of the issue tells the whole story. It is generally assumed that the President and a lot of his party are against this research when in fact, they only oppose government funding for it. They have made no statement or move to outlaw the research at all. We are also told that doing this research will make Michael J Fox stop shaking, would have saved Christopher Reeve, and will cure all SORTS of ailments.
None of these claims has been proven and similar research on ADULT stem cells has shown better results than that on embryonic stem cells.
I think that it is high time that ALL parties involved begin telling the TRUTH about the research, its expected results, and respecting rather than trashing those who have differing opinions about it.
I think that this type of research should be allowed on embryos that are left over from in-vitro fertilization attempts (12 were created, 4 were used, one 'took' and the other 8 would be destroyed). I have problems with creating more than are necessary for the fertilization process so that there are left-overs to be destroyed in the FIRST place, but that goes to the abortion issue.
I'm absolutely opposed to creating these embryos solely for the purpose of stem-cell research. I think that creating life to experiment on it smacks of Hitler-ian practices.
As to who should pay for this research, I'm unsure. If it holds promising results, private industry will fund it in the hopes of making big profits later. If the expectation is a little more unclear, it is expected that government pay for it. The expectation must be pretty cloudy based on the clamor for the government to fund it and the rancor with which the President is spoken about for opposing government funding.
This has become such a political issue because neither side of the issue tells the whole story. It is generally assumed that the President and a lot of his party are against this research when in fact, they only oppose government funding for it. They have made no statement or move to outlaw the research at all. We are also told that doing this research will make Michael J Fox stop shaking, would have saved Christopher Reeve, and will cure all SORTS of ailments.
None of these claims has been proven and similar research on ADULT stem cells has shown better results than that on embryonic stem cells.
I think that it is high time that ALL parties involved begin telling the TRUTH about the research, its expected results, and respecting rather than trashing those who have differing opinions about it.