Human embryonic stem cell research
With Michael J Fox's commercial during the World Series the other night (for our non-American orgahs, he endorsed a pro-stem cell research candidate in a race for governor), I wanted to start a dialogue about human embryonic stem cell research. I'll be the first to admit that I'm lacking pertinent information for having a reasonably informed opinion. So, I'd like to peaceably (well, as peaceably as Orgahs can) discuss some of the issues here. To get the ball rolling, I'd like to pose a few pointed questions and get some reactions on them:
-The general driving force in all of this is the supposed medical benefits for certain diseases (diabetes, parkinson's etc) from researching stem cells. But, we've been researching stem cells for close to twenty years now, and thus far, not a single cure. How much longer are we going to pursue this technology with no payoffs?
-What is so special about the embryonic stem cells? Why can't we employ methods for gathering stem cells that do not require the destruction of an embryo or a fetus?
-Is the primary objection to this technology the required destruction of an embryo? Provided that the harvesting takes place at an already scheduled elective abortion, does this make any difference? If the celluar mass is sent to a lab or to a medical waste facility, the abortion has already been performed, right?
-How do you all feel about Michael J. Fox's decision to stop taking his tremor medication to air the ad? Was it deceptive or informative? Deceptive, in that he doesn't really function at that level most days, but informative in that it was the way his body would react, left to it's own devices...
Anyways, like I said, let's talk, rationally, like we all know we can. Let's save the invectives and the name calling and the sarcasm until later. If the best you can come up with is "babykiller" or "religious nut", maybe this isn't the best thread for you to post in. Thanks.
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