At the federal government level, there are so many restrictions against stem cell research in United States as it is against the religious beliefs of the President. But fortunately for us, the democracy in US is much more powerful and the states have lot of autonomy to formulate laws. Proposition 71 on the ballot in California is for providing $3 billion worth research using embryonic stem cells.
Stem-cell research uses embryos left over from treatments at fertility clinics. They are microscopic dots of a few dozen cells. Ordinarily, these embryos are destroyed or frozen indefinitely. No “new” embryos are created or destroyed because of stem-cell research. Stem-cell cures, when they come, will use cells reproduced in the laboratory and will not involve embryos at all. More immediately, passing up a shot at curing Alzheimer’s would at most allow some microscopic embryos already in deep freeze the right to be frozen for good. Stem-cell research is not a sure thing, but bold initiatives in which California is uniquely qualified to succeed are worth the initial gamble.[Yes to Stem-Cell Research]
I hope this propositions passes so that California can take the lead with other nations of the world like Britain and South Korea which are not being held back by religious beliefs.
Though I’m not a resident of California, I oppose the use of state funds for research. My opposition does not come from moral grounds, but fiscal ones.
I cannot see money more worst spent when there is such a gaping budget deficit. Money spent on “questionable” research means less money is spent on schools, roads and other vital government services.
Funds for basic research should be the domain of the federal government and private enterprise.
But what do you do when the federal government which should be funding such research reneges on its responsibilities due to the “moral considerations” of the administration? Should these research companies shrivel up & die?
And whether the research is “questionable” is really an opinion. I’m sure there are several scientists who see this as of great value.
–Das
WHY DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT THE STEM CELLS WILL COME FROM PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION BABIES THAT COULD LIVE IF THEY WERE NOT ABOTRED IN SUCH A HORRIBLE WAY? THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE SAME GOAL FOR RESEARCH THAN MURDER.
Dunn, Stem Cells can also come from embryos which will be discarded by fertility clinics.
just to make sure, no new embryos will be harvested or created in the labratories? they will only be using the discarded embryos from the fertility clinics?