Stem Cells and/or Genetic Engineering

[Galahad]

I don't think I have a position on this - so it probably wouldn't qualify on the old DB , but I was just reading a story about a new cancer treatment and I was wondering:

If you are strongly in favor of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, how do you feel about using genetically engineered cells to treat diseases? I guess the same question could be asked of those that are opposed to funding for embryonic stem cell research.

 

[Honu]

I am 100% for it. There are levels of risk in any medical research. If we don't try, we'll never know.

 

[VioltePrincess]

I am 100% for it. There are levels of risk in any medical research. If we don't try, we'll never know.

My first impulse is to agree with you...but I am afraid of the slippery slope. How do we restrict the new knowledge to positive purposes? People in china and India are already selecting the gender they want for their child, why not other features as well?

 

[Honu]

Does it really matter if people choose to do that? Honestly, how would someone creating child that may be smarter, prettier or healthier than they would have been naturally really impact your life?

Being smart or pretty doesn't mean you are a good or successful person. We are all a product of our upbringing. And if I was given the choice of being born with a built in resistance to some diseases, I would sign right up for that one.

For me, the possibility of what we may be able to cure and prevent far outweighs the issues of the technology being used for other purposes.

 

[shortbun]

While I abhor the use of this technology for creation of a "better" baby, I support it 100% for disease research and cure.