You've probably heard that President Obama lifted the ban from federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on Monday. While discussing this in class yesterday, our teacher first broached the topic by saying, "What happened this week that made the Pope white hot with fury?" An interested but frustrating debate ensued regarding whether or not the research was ethical. The most aggravating thing about it was that none of the students who spoke up in favor of embryonic stem cell research seemed to realize where their logic would take them. On young man even rationalized the "end justifies the means" type argument which naturally leads to a horribly slippery slope. (Remember in Animal Farm how Napoleon begins justifying everything, no matter how unjust or atrocious, for the sake of the success of the animal-government, including killing off different animals one by one?) Yet my fellow student didn't even consider the ramifications of his ideas; to him is was worth it to "use" embryos to find cures for people suffering from diseases. (I have some stats on the supposed success of embryonic stem cell research posted here.) I hate to be so blunt, but let's not think about the fact that we're killing a child for the sake of trying to find a cure for someone else without even acknowledging the embryo's right to life.Interestingly enough, because it's very costly to extract the embryos here in the states, we're probably going to move the process over to the third world countries, where it is much less expensive. Then of course, we're not using American embryos either, and you have a win-win situation. Curious how we're learning to cope with our "moral conundrums", isn't it?
5 comments:
Very true. It is sad and scary how many people don't think of the whole picture. They think embryonic stem cell research will help so many people but don't realize the harm that it does and has already done. Just take a look at the medical journals ... it's not pretty.
What is even more frustrating for me is that people are so focused on making this method of treatment work that they miss the methods that pose much more promise and don't harm anyone, let alone take away a life. Stem cells found within umbilical cord blood has proven to be useful in more than just blood disorders. Science is advancing much more rapidly in this area (not due to funding/legality, but because it works more readily). It can cross the blood-brain barrier and is currently being used to treat diabetes type I and cerebral palsy. I pray that people will open their eyes soon. Yes, we want the cures...but not at the stake of another life.
Very well said! Thanks for sharing about that, I hadn't heard about the stems cells in the umbilical cord- that's very interesting. And yes, it's difficult because people in favor of the ESCR claim that people against it are also against the cures, when it's simply not true. We're all for cures, so why not go with the stem cells that are tried and true, or at least proving more successful?
Thanks Kelly,
Your thoughts remind me to keep diligent on issues facing our society today. May we have courage to stand.
I'm glad to hear of your opposition to stem-cell research, but I want to encourage you on one point. You wrote:
"I hate to be so blunt, but let's not think about the fact that we're killing a potential child for the sake of trying to find a cure for someone else without even acknowledging the embryo's right to life."
However, an embryo is not a "potential child" but an actual child! The moment an egg is fertilized, a child is alive. I'm pretty sure from the rest of what I read that you agree with me, but it is important to use deliberate language so as to proclaim the truth on a subject where so many false claims reign.
Warmly,
Becky
beckypryor@gmail.com
Thanks very much, Becky! You're totally right, I will certainly change that!
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