Well in our biology class recently we were learning about gene technology and it seems that stem cell research is both the fastest developing field of research as well as being one of the most controversial. While the potential benefits are widespread, there have been many issues raised such as the 'right to life' and whether or not an embryo is at that point an actual 'person'.
With the recent lifting of restrictions on funding for research in the USA, it is possible that research will take off now that it can be performed openly and in a wider array of facilities. Of course adult stem cell research is also progressing, but there are greater possibilities with embryonic stem cells due to their natural pluripotency.
Overall I think the issue was summed up pretty nicely by this cartoon our teacher provided (and which was also conveniently on the net):
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Personally my view is if it hasn't got a brain it doesn't have any feelings yet- a bit of a double standard I suppose, as I am also Christian and pretty anti-abortion, but my view is that as long as there are potential benefits with only hypothetical ethical issues there should be no problems. But there you go.
So what do you guys think?
With the recent lifting of restrictions on funding for research in the USA, it is possible that research will take off now that it can be performed openly and in a wider array of facilities. Of course adult stem cell research is also progressing, but there are greater possibilities with embryonic stem cells due to their natural pluripotency.
Overall I think the issue was summed up pretty nicely by this cartoon our teacher provided (and which was also conveniently on the net):
Personally my view is if it hasn't got a brain it doesn't have any feelings yet- a bit of a double standard I suppose, as I am also Christian and pretty anti-abortion, but my view is that as long as there are potential benefits with only hypothetical ethical issues there should be no problems. But there you go.
So what do you guys think?