“Ethical” Embryonic Stem Cells?
Posted By: 'Okie' | 9:52 am — 8/24/2006 | 
2 Comments See comments below:
[Update: 9/12/06]
Below is the original post. Paul at Prying 1 has emailed today to alert me to the fact that ACT misreported their findings — in fact, during their research ALL of the embryos used were destroyed. Instead of taking a single cell from the developing embryos, they took 4-7.
The technique that ACT was citing as possible in their research is currently used to check for genetic defects on in-vitro fertilized eggs, which sends up alarms for some bio-ethicists in the first place. And there are some in the pro-life movement that would object to even the use of a single cell from a developing embryo because that single cell could be caused to develop into a child.
The law does not prohibit the destruction of embryos for stem cell research, it only prohibits the federal government from funding such work. Here on the Left coast, our voters passed an initiative to fund embryonic stem cell research to the tune of three-billion-bond-supplied dollars.
Just ’cause something’s legal doesn’t make it right!
[End Update]
Advanced Cell Technology Inc. in Worcester, Mass. has researched a method of procuring embryonic stem cells without having to destroy the embryo itself. That should be great news to those of us that are against the destruction of nascent human life, from the time of conception through to birth. Even Hugh Hewitt seems to have his spirits lifted a bit on this one.
This technique would, in a stroke, end the need to harvest stem cells via the destruction of embryos. Those chosing to continue to destroy embryos would be announcing their utter disdain for the human life involved, or potential human life.
It also vindicates the anti-embryonic stem cell research position in that science was obliged to find a humane way to advance. I don’t expect any concessions from the stem cell research absolutists, but it will [be] astonishing if this breakthrough is met with indifference in the MSM.
Well, Hugh. Not indifference — utter and complete disdain — if this AM’s LA Times unsigned editorial is any indication.
SCIENCE TOOK AN UNNECESSARY leap forward Wednesday. A Bay Area biotechnology company announced a breakthrough in stem cell research that could quell religious objections to such research and persuade the federal government to lift its restrictions on funding it. It’s an impressive advance, but scientists — and society — would be better off if they could spend more time searching for ways to cure some of humankind’s most debilitating diseases and less time trying to satisfy the demands of politics.
(…)
Laboratory advances that make stem cell research politically popular are welcome. But as Advanced Cell Technology has demonstrated, scientists have already gone to great lengths to answer political objections to their work. It’s more important to focus stem cell research on saving lives, not on appeasing a minority of religious conservatives. [caps are theirs, bold emphasis is mine]
The good ol’ Los Angeles Times — hates, or fears, religious conservatives that much! When we all should be rejoicing the fact that science has taken the time and spent the money to follow an ethical path, our local rag is calling such actions “UNNECESSARY”. What is unnecessary is the editorial staff of the LA Times.
Would someone PLEASE buy this rag and put these people out? SOON! (db)
Technorati Tags: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Advanced Cell Technology Inc., Los Angeles Times
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25 August 2006 | Mike's America Said:
There is still something about all this that smacks of Eugenics.
I’m all for research but if we insist on placing mounds of restrictions on the activities of those who protect us from terrorist attacks to protect civil liberties, shouldn’t we also proceed with extreme caution where the very essence of human life is concerned?
25 August 2006 | prying1 Said:
I have to wonder if the techniques used by Advanced Cell Technology Inc. in Worcester, Mass. will eventually find ways to improve other methods of scientific study.
I realize that even if the breakthrough itself cured ALL mankind of ALL ills it would still be unacceptable to the L.A. Times because some religious folks approve of it. Scheesh! What a bunch of ….
I can’t say that. I’m a Christian…