Stem cell research...

[Laura]

Elizabeth,

I think it's brave of you to admit you don't know where you stand on this issue yet. I feel the same way. I'm not sure I see it the same way as I see abortion.

If someone leaves an embryo alone in a woman, it will eventually turn into a baby. Even if it hasn't attached yet, it will get there eventually (in most cases)....

However, if someone leaves an embryo alone in a petri dish, it will never turn into a baby.

So I don't know yet...

On the other hand I wouldn't like to see people creating embryos for the sole purpose of using them for stem cell research....



Joy


P.S. I obviously have NOTHING against adult stem cell research...research away on that one.

It's a touchy subject, isn't it? But the thing to remember is, there are "parents" if you like, of that "potential baby" who agree to destroy it and any "siblings" because they have enough children or they have gone through enough IVF procedures that don't work or they can't pay for the cryogenic storage anymore, or whatever reason they might have. Perhaps they'd rather have the cells donated to research instead of simply destroyed. If that's their choice, why should you tell them no? Because "it's a baby"? Maybe it isn't one to them, and I know it is not to me. Besides, either way the cells get destroyed. Also, I wouldn't want to see researchers "farming" embryos, and I don't know of any scientists in this country promoting that idea.

And yes, to anyone wondering (not directing this at Joy), I'm selfish for wanting our president to extend funding of federal research to new embryonic stem cell lines. I want my husband to live longer. His type of diabetes usually develops in childhood, and I'm sure there are a lot of parents of type 1 diabetics who'd love a cure. They're selfish, too. I just figure that if people want to use those cells for a good purpose rather than just wasting them (and let's assume the research technique I posted about earlier doesn't pan out), why shouldn't they be able use it for such a good purpose? I have to say even if diabetes weren't part of my life, I'd still see the sense in that notion. Hopefully our next President will.

 

[bicker]

And yes, to anyone wondering (not directing this at Joy), I'm selfish for wanting our president to extend funding of federal research to new embryonic stem cell lines. I want my husband to live longer.

I want your husband to live longer, as well. We all should, IMHO, even without a selfish interest necessary.