Re: Stem cells...why would you be against it?
Stem cell research does not necessarily include cloning a human being. Stem cells can be harvested after a birth. They do not have to come from an embryo, a fetus, a child or anywhere else that could harm an embryo or human. They can be harvested from the after birth, the part of all births that end up discarded. <br /><br />A stem cell is a stem cell is a stem cell. Stem cells are no different regardless of where they are taken from, be it the marrow or after birth or an embryo. Stem cells are the precursors to every cell in your body. The significance to stem cells is that they have yet to differentiate. In other words they have the ability to become brain, liver, skin, muscle and every other cell type we have. <br /><br />With stem cell research, it is believed that many defects and injuries have the potential for being reversed. Everything from Parkinsons, alzheimers, cancers, downs to asthma and numerous other problems and diseases we face every day. <br /><br />Christopher Reeve was hopeful that stem cells could help repair his spinal chord, thus allowing him to regain use of his body. Obviously it never happened.<br /><br />Brother Chris, fear is almost always created out of ignorance of anything. I guess it is human nature. When cells are properly harvested, no person, baby, or fetus is ever harmed. However, with government money, it is feared that some researchers may cross the line and do some things that most feel to be immoral. People should be cautious to let research begin without strict protective laws to unborn babies. <br /><br />Once again though, the researchers without similar morals that the rest of us have are doing those things today that we fear would happen if research was funded. <br /><br />Concerns with passing genes on to children is a concern. It will continue to be a concern until science can further study in effort to find the answers. No research, no answers.
