Debating Stem Cell Ethics

When President Bush banned federal funding for embryonic stem cell research except for certain lines already in existence, he did so with perhaps the most compelling, certainly most complete speech on medical ethics ever given by a U.S. president ["Stem Cells: 10 Diseases They May--or May Not--Cure," usnews.com]. President Obama only stated that we will not use clones for human reproduction—how is that any worse than creating living human embryos only to destroy them and use them for medical research? Where is the moral distinction? Second, every advance in treatments derived from stem cells have not come from embryonic stem cells, but from other stem cells. When embryonic stem cells have been used in attempts to treat medical conditions, the results have been catastrophic.

Comment by Paul of IL

My son has never felt my arms hugging him nor has he ever felt my hand on his back pushing him on a swing. Spinal cord surgery to remove a tumor made those joys and many others impossible for us. If stem cells can help me walk my child down the aisle or hold my grandchild, how could they be wrong?

Comment by Susan of FL

President Bush did not ban embryonic stem cell research. He simply limited federal funding to existing embryonic stem cell lines. There are no proven medical benefits from embryonic stem cells. However, adult stem cells are already being used to provide medical treatment. And now, new research will probably eliminate the need for embryonic stem cell research completely. When will the media tell the whole true story?

Comment by Bob Kastens of TN

I was happy to read your article and hope that it will not only help bring an end to embryonic stem cell experimentation, but that it will also help in promoting adult stem cell use. Weird outcomes or cures—embryonic stem cell experimentation should not be done because the end does not justify the means—in this case, curing someone does not justify killing an innocent life to do so.

Comment by Mary M. of MO

No babies are being killed in the use of embryonic stem cells. The stem cells are taken from embryos that were unable to be used for in vitro fertilization—they would have been disposed of anyway. Isn't it better to use the stem cells to potentially save lives, rather than have them just end up as medical waste?

Comment by Jon of MI

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