Thursday, December 08, 2005

 

I support embryonic stem cell research. I feel that my views relate closest to those of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. This group of Reform Jews believes that for the “purposes of life-saving or life-enhancing research and treatment” tissues that have been obtained by therapeutic or spontaneous abortions may be used. It is believed that a person’s primary responsibility is to save a humans life, even if it goes against the law. I believe that people should do all they are capable of to save a human life. Embryonic stem cells present us with the opportunity to do so. Placing restrictions on research and the number of stem cell lines is only hurting us. The U.S. is sitting and watching other countries continue to do research because of bills passed slowing down our progress. The fact that embryonic stem cells hold so much potential to save lives and potential help cure diseases should be reason alone to continue research.

I do not agree with Bush’s ban on further government funding of embryonic stem cell research. The stem cell lines, which Bush had proposed to be used for further testing, have now been found to be useless. While states are allowed to fund research on their own by passing bills, as California did, I do not see this being something that would catch on quickly, if at all, in many states in the U.S. Because of this, and the fact that Bush will be in office for another three years, a strain has been placed on further advancement and research. I believe that if researchers are not allowed to continue research in the United States and are not given sufficient grants, then they will be forced to continue their research in other countries.

In the United States today there are fertility clinics with thousands of frozen embryos, which were prepared for IVF. If these unused frozen embryos are not needed, they are discarded. Why then, if people find it okay to dispose of these frozen embryos, can researchers not put those frozen embryos to use? I personally do not believe that the blastocyst is a human life. Therefore, I would have no problem with researchers using the frozen embryos. Either way they will be destroyed. Why then not put them towards a good use in an effort to save human lives? The point where I would have to draw the line on what I believe is and isn’t ethical is when women would sell their eggs or even their frozen embryos to be tested. If researchers would pay money to receive eggs from women, which in the first place would be a very invasive surgery, I believe this would be stepping over the line.

I think what many people are unable to see because they are so concerned with the fact a human life is being killed, is the great potential to save lives. Just because no cure or huge advancement to this day has been made does not justify ending research. People need to look at the potential of embryonic stems cells and the potentials to save lives and help human suffering.


# posted by sarah matthews @ 11:47 AM
Comments:
I completely agree with sarah matthews in that I think it is up to humans to improve the quality of life for other humans. So many other countries are making great strides toward cures by utilizing stem cell research, and I feel frustrated by the lack of progress U.S. scientists have been able to make. So many people criticize stem cell research for its lack of performance, but the stem cell lines allowed to U.S. scientists have been shown to be next to useless. How can we criticize the lack of research when it has been so greatly limited by our own government?
# posted by Blogger Seligion : 2:21 PM
 
I also agree in part with sarah matthews, in fact, we even used the same qyote in our journtal assignments from the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. I share the belief that we should use stem cells only to save lives, or creat them for those unable to do so themselves. I also understand where she is coming from in the terms of having to deal with someone that was afflicted with cancer. Cancer is never an easy thing to deal with, especially when someone dear to us is taken. This is just further evidence that stem cells are needed to help find a cure, so such loses won't happen. Where sarah and I disagree, however, is on the topic of funding. I believe that NGOs should shoulder most of the funding of stem cell research, and the Government should be left with little of the tab to picj up. There are literally millions of strains on the americna economy, and when research can be paid for by outside contributors, it should be. As soon as a major breakthrough occurs and is presented to the American public, funsing should be no problem.
# posted by Blogger jayowin : 3:09 PM
 
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