Stem Cell Research

[Greenday]

I have a paper due on stem cell research tomorrow and since I love arguing/debating, I thought I'd come to Fratching to see what others think of it. I just finished my paper btw. 2-3 pages is what was required. Personally, any paper on stem cell research that short probably is incomplete...

[Boozy]

2-3 pages is what was required. Personally, any paper on stem cell research that short probably is incomplete...

It depends on the scope. What aspect are you covering?

[Greenday]

What are human stem cells? What is the source of these cells?
Do more than one type of stem cells exist and if so,what are the differences? (Yes there are.)
What is the potential of stem cells? How much of this potential has been realized?
What is the current US federal policy regarding stem cells? What is the impact of this policy on scientific research? can state laws differ from this federal policy and if so, what is the impact of these differences?
Will current US federal policy hinder scientific research in the United States relative to the rest of the world?
What is the basis of the stem cell controversy?

Then I had to write my opinion.

[AdminAssistant]

I'm very pro-stem cell research. I don't believe that it's the magic key that will solve all of our health problems, but there's so much potential there that I don't think we should turn away from it. The arguments against it are also really weak.

[Dreamstalker]

I'm also very pro-stem-cell (haven't there already been cases of stem cell therapy--not in the US--helping patients?). IIRC there are other methods of stem cell cultivation (umbilical, etc) that blow the anti arguments out of the water. To me the benefits--both proven and potential--outweigh the risks.

[Greenday]

Yes, there have been some trials tested on humans. It's been heavily regulated though so it's been tough to actually get permission to try it on a human. But it's been used a few times during open heart surgery. They've been able to get the cells to turn into the necessary heart cells but they need to refine their techniques so more of the cells actually turn into what we need them to.

[elsporko]

I don't like the idea of scientists promoting people to get abortions just because they want more stem cells.

[Boozy]

Who said that?

Sorry, but I can't see you around the MASSIVE STRAWMAN.

[Greenday]

I don't like the idea of scientists promoting people to get abortions just because they want more stem cells.

I guess it's a good thing scientists aren't doing that, isn't it?

[AdminAssistant]

If anything, they are taken excess frozen embryos from fertility clinics that will be destroyed anyway and using those. And many people aren't doing that, they just get the cells from umbilical cords and the like.

[elsporko]

Fertility clinics aren't exactly a good thing to promote either. All they are is a way to take money from greedy people too selfish to adopt.

[the_std]

What the heck are you talking about, elsporko? No one is taking about promoting fertility clinics or abortion clinics. We're talking about taking what is going to be wasted anyways and using it in a responsible manner.

[elsporko]

And scientists who want more samples but don't have any availiable are going to want people to use the facilities.

[the_std]

Want, maybe, as in, "Hm, it would be nice if we had more samples," but I don't think there are many scientists out there saying, "Okay girls, time to kill your unborn children/try to play god and have a litter! It's for SCIENCE!"

[Rapscallion]

And scientists who want more samples but don't have any availiable are going to want people to use the facilities.

I'd love to see your evidence for this. Roaming gangs of scientists hunting for pregnant women with pro-abortion leaflets? Not heard of it. Last I heard from anti-abortionists, there was genocide going on against the unborn, pretty much guaranteeing that there would be plenty of material.

Can't have it both ways.

Rapscallion