Quote:
Originally posted by Absynthe:
Simple question, complex answer...
Stem cell therapies are far too useful to be ignored, so we should continue intensive research. Since the most useful stem cells are from embryonic or foetal sources, we're presented with a poser.
What about cloning? If we were able to clone the stem cells from an embryonic source and grow them in vitro, we would have a renewable source of stem cells for research and/or therapeutic uses, without the messy moral arguments. Of course, we would have to overcome the objections to human cloning research...
IMHO, the religious arguments being bandied about in this debate have no place in the formulation of federal health policies. However, since we seem to have an unacknowledged state religion with significant political clout, this issue will likely hinge on how loud the fundies can yell.
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Sorry Absynthe, but here I'm going to disagree and quite wholeheartedly. The idea of creating life to destroy it....makes me violently ill. I know that nobody is talking 'farming embryos/fetuses' yet but how long til they do? How far IS too far? Each step further toward and yes, over, the line encourages another and another...no, I think this may be the Rubicon and I'm loathe to see our health industry cross it. Messy moral issues? Hmmmm yes, why so messy? Because they touch something deep inside a lot of us. This one got to me. I am not a 'political' person and friends often have to remind me to vote or explain the latest debacle in Washington, but this topic made me sit up and listen.
I am a wee bit disappointed by your last comment! I know people have debated about whether or not political leaders should be 'religious' in public. Well, I'm here to say that my faith is a part of ME, I don't lop it off to post here or go to vote! It may not be the driving force in every decision, but it shapes my very nature. To me, it's as much a part of my life as the fact that I'm short or female or have hazel eyes. None of those things is the only think that determines how I vote for a senator and yet they are part of who I am and my overall life experience. My faith shapes my views and my perceptions to some extent. Of course it is with me when I look at "messy moral issues"!
I think ordinary greed and politics will prevail in most cases. Our system seems to thrive on the behind the scenes power hierarchy. If the people with moral values approaching my own should be heard for once, well, I'm not going to complain. For so long I've sat back and watched as anyone Christian is condemned and ridiculed for the mere fact of announcing that they ARE Christian. Seems it's unfashionable these days. Maybe the fringe element and lunatics brandishing crosses and shooting doctors have been too visible. Maybe they've tarnished the concept for the rest of us? All I know is, I don't think I'm an evil zealot out to run the government by all my private religious standards. Yet on this one issue, I definitely have an opinion.
Ok, sorry for the very long rant....not my style usually, must be full moon is coming? LOL I have it out of my system so no more is forthcoming.
And I know we will end up agreeing to disagree, but I had to voice my opinion.
Cloudy
PS: Moridin, how do they produce those embryos? There are some people who believe that is LIFE, whether you like it or not.
And it is a very strongly felt issue one way or the other. The whole thing really makes me wonder just what we will eventually end up with. The old "should we do it just because we CAN do it? " line comes to mind. sigh
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Raindancer of the Laughing Hyenas Clan
Storm-Queen
StormCloud of the Black Knight: Heart Mind Soul Forever
"To sleep, perchance to dream..."
[This message has been edited by Cloudbringer (edited 07-21-2001).]