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Originally Posted by lreed I could be wrong BUT, I think that the stem cells needed come from fertilized eggs like those used for invitrol fertilization. The ones used for research are those that would otherwise have been discarded.  |
Sometimes politicians make issues sound very different than they might really be. Stem cell research can come from different sources. Sure some is using the fertilized eggs (embryos) that are left over from IV fertilization -- but some of the debate
is about those embryos being created in culture just for the purpose of stem cell harvesting. Here is just one article about the practice:
Human embryos created for cell harvest http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn997
It is a huge subject with many different possible ramifications. Some of the delay to consider all aspects of the research has forced scientists into other avenues such as: Stem cells are now being harvested from embryonic cells that have stopped dividing/considered dead. Another method now being pursued with some success is the biopsy of a few cells from a living embryo WITHOUT ending the embryos life. This is now being done for genetic testing and has the potential to also provide stem cells, while the original embryo goes on living and develops to a healthy child. With both of these ideas, the ethical question of ending the embryonic life is removed. While other questions may still remain, at least there are other possibilities being explored.
I am not even going to say where my personal opinions lie, just that the subject is much more detailed than a politician from either side would try to relay in their public words. Stem cell research is taking many different paths -- if the ultimate practice winds up not ending any life at all -- wouldn't that be wonderful, a win win situation.