Stem Cell Breakthrough and Opposition to Embryonic Stem Cell Research

posted by Curt Bentley, on November 20, 2007 10:23 am

All the major news organizations are reporting on a stem cell research breakthrough the has the potential to ease the controversy over embryonic stem cell research. Although one should be cautious how much stock one puts in a CNN or MSNBC scientific report, it does provide some reason for optimism. Apparently, the breakthrough involves scientists being able to make ordinary human skin cells take on some of the properties of embryonic stem cells. This is good news for everyone.

I wonder whether or not this research would have ever been done without the opposition that religious leaders have advanced against the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research. While those of us who have opposed the use have been accused of of being complicit in the deaths of thousands of suffering individuals, perhaps we have, in reality, been able to spur researchers to a solution that is more morally acceptable to both sides, and respects life at all levels. If the opposition had just rolled over and played dead, there's a good chance that we would have just gone on using embryonic stem cells without ever questioning as to whether there was another way.

Just something to think about.

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