America's Debate Over Stem Cell Research
Ever since 2001, the United States has been involved in a heated debate on embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research features the use of embryonic stem cells to cure certain diseases. These stem cells are derived from fertilized human eggs. They have the ability to turn into any kind of cell found in the human body, making them a potential cure for cell-related diseases such as cancer. However, to get these cells, the embryo needs to be destroyed first. This is one of the ethical issues associated with stem cell research . According to most activists, the process of destroying the embryo is a form of abortion, therefore, it is morally wrong. But then, stem cell research can pave the way to cure current “incurable” diseases such as cancer. This article will feature America's debate over stem cell research and will present the arguments of both sides.
Stem cell in politics
In the previous presidential election, both President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry presented their stand on stem cell research. According to President Bush, if he should win the election, the federal government would provide funds to research on all the embryonic stem cells that were taken before August 21, 2001. Embryonic stem cell that were created after that date would not be included. This is because the President still believed that getting embryonic stem cells is still a form of abortion. In an interview with Science magazine, Pres. Bush said, “ I believe that scientific discovery and ethical principles can go hand in hand and that we should not use taxpayer's money to encourage or endorse the additional destruction of living, human embryos.”
On the other hand, Sen. John Kerry opposed the stand of President Bush and promised to remove the restriction that would be made by the President if ever he won. Sen. John Kerry did not become president however. His winning could have led to more funds and the further developments on the research of stem cells. It could have led to scientists finding new cells that could provide potential cures to congenital diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
There were certain criticisms that came up regarding the President's policy. According to Democratic Senator Richard Durbin, the President's policy created an artificial moral distinction between cells created before August 21 and those created after. There should not be any restrictions since the cells have the same moral value regardless of the date they were created. But this is now a moot point since President Bush won the election and his policy is currently being implemented.
Today, there are only two states in the nation that allow the research of embryonic stem cells and they are California and New Jersey. In the year of the previous election, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released position 71. This voter-initiated proposition stated that $3 billion will be provided to fund stem cell research. This makes California the only state in the US that provides funds for embryonic stem cell research beyond the federal restriction.