I'm not really sure why there are people who are so against stem cell research. If there is a potential cure for Diabetes (or other diseases such as Parkinson's for that matter) why not allow the stem cell research? If science has this potentially life saving breakthough, then let them use it.

I would assume that most people do not like the idea because the majority of stem cells are coming from aborted fetuses and they feel that if the government allows stem cell research that they are in a sence supporting abortion.

My take on it is that I think it would be a good thing if we could cure diseases for young people but as people age death is inevitable and makes more room on the Earth for all the new babies. I just feel that people are living quite long these days and if we come up for disease cures for the elderly we are going to have a problem with over crowding soon enough.


justagirl

I think it's just the image of embryos being used... you can't help but see the image and wonder about the moral problems, right?

Thing is, that abortion is going to exist whether it is legal or not.
It always has and always will.

I think Thumperfive is right, in that it is the idea of stem cell that makes people kick up a stink.

People prefer most of our societal muck to be well and truly swept under the rug these days.

I have no objections to it whatsoever.

Ooh, Justagirl, you are showing your age, and I am possibly going to show mine!

Young people get Parkinsons, somebody throw the name of the actor at me ... I should know it??

And at what age do you define old?

That's Michael J. Fox, Dolly.

Justagirl, I'm kind of confused. Do you mean that treating diseases for the young is okay but it isn't so for the elderly?

The debate about stem cell research has ethical roots. You are right about that, Thumperfive. But I believe more than the source of the stem cells, which is not necessarily an embryo, the issue is about how people will use that technology. When it gets in the wrong hands, there is a huge chance that people will abuse it. How? Possibly to make clones. It may seem farfetched at this time, but when nuclear scientists discovered the potential of a single electron as an energy source, this knowledge translated to the atomic bomb, which is considered a devastating technology even as of today.

Phew! Thanks for that, Joanne.

Doesn't all progress leave itself open to abuse?

I think cloning will be pursued no matter what, simply because rich people want that kind of thing. It's more likely to go awry if it's subversive rather than legitimate I would have thought?

and you know it's all going to be for the rich folks - it's doubtful that the average person will ever have access to these results!

Whose "wrong hands"? I trust doctors and scientists more than government and politicians.

You are welcome, Dolly!

I can't make any claims since stem cell research is still going on. Everything is just speculation. I can definitely say, though, that not all scientists and doctors are ethical enough to forego of personal gains, especially on the financial side.

I am definitely not against stem cell research. But to maximize its potential, regulations regarding its use must be established first. That is when the government and politicians come in.

Basically my point is that if you are elderly let's say 65+ you don't have a million years to live and through this research you should not be able to. I am not being rude and do realize that one day I will be this age but I just do not feel the need to change my own destiny, if I am meant to die at 30 well then so be it!


justagirl

oh yeah and you are probably trying to think of Michael J Fox