Posting: 1
Topic: Technology/Science
Writer: Laura Meckler and Janet Adamy
Publication: the WSJ
Date: September 2, 2010
Length: 769 words
A federal district judge recently blocked the government's fund for expanded embryonic stem cell research, and the scientists said last Wednesday that it was motivated by the the ethical objection, which they argue that scientists destroy the embryonic cell in order to proceed. Drs. James Sherley and Theresa Deisher flew to Washington D.C. to debate this issue with House and Senate. Stem cell generally is a type of cell in a multicellular organism that has not yet been differentiated, and some cells, including embryonic stem cell, has a potential to be differentiated to any other types. However, a lot of concerns has been issued to debate whether continuing the embryonic stem cell research is legitimate. To have this particular research they will need an the original embryonic cell, which is zygote for the humans. They discuss that destroying the embryonic cell is nothing different from terminating to bring its potential, future life the end. The plaintiffs said they oppose the embryonic research for the ethical reason, and emphasized that there is no purpose of religious beliefs included. They also pointed out these searches will unlikely to produce the treatments as other scientists promised, and added that adult stem cells has more potential to help the patients.
In conclusion, even though these new medical technologies have a great potential to save the life of patients, society needs to be aware that scientific process without moral thinking would cause to destruction of embryonic cell, a silent death of the potential life. Plaintiffs are opposing on partial research, not denying the development of entire biological science. Since there are a lot of other stem cell researches without using embryonic cells, therefore no one should be mourned of this fund block of embryonic stem cell research as a deterioration of biological science.
I think the stem cell issue is one of the biggest debates in history because the support from each side of the argument may be seen as equal from an average person's point of view. In my opinion, stem cell research should happen because it can help find cures for many diseases, and that would be highly beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sonal that stem cell research should take place. Since a big part of the ethical debate arises from the fact that the stem cell is destroyed, I would like to point out that most of the embryos used to make stem cells are "rejects" from in vitro fertilization clinics. Normally, such embryos are destroyed anyways. Being harvested by scientist simply prevents them from being wasted. I would object if the embryos were created solely for scientific purposes. However, since they are not, the governments should encourage stem cell research, especially since further research on embryonic stem cell might give us an effective way to turn ordinary cells into stem cells, thus sidestepping the whole issue.
ReplyDelete