Stem Cell Research Cloning
This article in the New York times "U.S. Judge Rules Against Obama's Stem Cell Policy" by Gardiner Harris, I found when looking at the Boston Children's Hospital site. It explains the decision made by the Obama Administration to let the use of embryos that would be thrown away be used for stem cell research . It mainly focuses on the overturn of this decision by Royce Lamberth (at right) who claims the excretion of stem cells kills the embryo, although the embryo is anyways going to die in the trash can. Lamberth was so harsh he stopped all processes of stem cell research, for now.
Since Obama made an executive order he was able to overturn it. Now this issue MUST go through the courts.This decision honestly has no science to back it up what so ever. I cannot believe that the only reason science is not being advance and millions of lives are not being saved is because republicans such as Lamberth are pro life. Why does an issue that is purely scientific and logistic be discussed in politics? The embryos are anyways going to die so why not use them to save a few lives? Stem cell research is not bad for you and has no problems connected to it so why are we not taking advantage of this? Scientists are shocked and angered because all the labs that have been made since 2009 are now being shut down because of Lamberth. They have every right to be mad after getting so close to being able to save lives and being shut down because of a bogus reason. Although they are allowing adult stem cell, embryonic stem cell research is pluripotent and will not be rejected by its host. Also adult stem cells are much harder to grow and are very limited to what they can become. I'm just wondering when will the government finally fund and legalize stem cell research?
This hospital: Boston Children's Hospital was the most outraged by the decision made by Lamberth since this is the hospital to go to for stem cell research.
The hospital (at left) uses stem cell research to attempt to cure genetic diseases such a Leukemia, Cystic Fibrosis and Fragile X Syndrome. I just think that is amazing. They have accomplished in stem cell research of hemoglobin disorders such as Sickle Cell Anemia. They do stem cell treatments to re-correct the deformed cells. This work is even leading to attempts to reverse cancers such as Leukemia. They can be able to cure forms of diseases if the government would just give them a chance! It makes me so sad that people are dying because of a simple ethical argument! Although this research is not fully effective the ability to make it effective, which Lamberth has now put a stop to, seems to be no longer capable. By being able to advance in this research Boston Children's Hospital could find cures to many genetic diseases and even cancers.
I believe I am focusing now more on stem cell research and the legalization of it. I believe there is no reason not to legalize stem cell research. Reproductive cloning is much to controversial and is much riskier but research cloning is effective and doesn't cause damage.
You say, "I cannot believe that the only reason science is not being advance[d] and millions of lives are not being saved is because republicans such as Lamberth are pro life." I find this political discourse within a medical/scientific issue puzzling as well. I am curious to what extent conservatives have legitimate reasons for their positions, and to what extent they are arguing simply for the sake of argument? Our political culture has become so polarized, that it seems like every decision must be painted in pro/con, Republican/Democrat terms. But shouldn't some issues not involve politics at all?!
ReplyDeleteGiven the direction of this post and your final paragraph, are you moving your inquiry to stem cells rather than human cloning? Will that be the likely focus for your next post(s) and eventual argument essay?
Yes I do intend on focusing on stem cells. The subject is very informative and I like the idea of it much more than reproductive cloning.
DeleteI also wanted to say I completely agree with your idea that not every little issue has to be separated by the two parties! It makes me so angry that nothing can be resolved with just logistics and common logic but it has to be argued over like you said just for the sake of argument!
DeleteStem cell research.... this is a very interesting topic. Why did you decide to focus more on stem cell research in particular? Has this always been something that facinated you?
ReplyDeleteYes it has. Since I learned of its existence in 9th grade I have found it very interesting and absolutely mind blowing. I also want to become a Nurse so the idea of saving countless lives in the process makes this subject all the more exciting for me!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWho is Royce Lamberth and what power does he hold to throw such a wrench in all of this? Is it the entire Republican Party that is opposed to stem cell research?
I was not aware that they could get stem cells from adults. How is that done?
I still cannot believe that some other country with less restrictive laws has not jumped all over this and tried to capitalize on this or for that matter why aren’t the big medical and pharmaceutical companies pushing harder for laws to change in their favor?
It sounds like they are doing great things in Boston and I would love to see some advancements in this area. Is any kind of court date set up to get this decided?
With as many people that I know who have cancer or who have died from it, it sure would be nice if this leads to some cure.
Sincerely,
Jason
Royce Lamberth is the Chief Judge of District Courts in the U.S.
DeleteYes it is basically all of the republican party that is against cloning because of the pro-life idea of killing fetuses.
I don't have enough information on Adult Stem Cell Research to give you an answer sadly, but it has been proven to be much less effective and more likely to fail.
Many hospitals are fighting for the appeal especially Boston's Children Hospital they were infuriated by the idea. But since it is so hard to pass a law with half of the court against it, it's basically near impossible.
Many doctors and scientists are saying if the government would just let them use stem cell research we would be able to find cures to many cancers and diseases within a year.
My grandmother died from cancer and I also know several people who are dying from it so I know exactly how you feel. It also infuriates me very much.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThis topic is something that i have always been very interested about! Why science is hindered based upon religious views or political stand points-
Stem Cell research could potentially change the world, and its being oppressed. I understand your frustration and probably millions of others feel the same.
Its crazy that Lamberth can have such a huge say and opinion in the matter, is there an activist group or community that is also against stem cell research? (i'm sure there is)
Im interested in where you go from here, and ill be following your blog to see!
I agree with you that stem cell research is a good way to save lives. An issue that you also have to look with the fact that it could save lives is that it is also destroying lives as well. The embryos are still a growing and living baby that is developing. That is the big moral question that many have a problem with and are trying to understand is it best to do one thing or to do the other. I like your argument though. It is a very interesting topic and I am excited to hear more of it.
ReplyDelete