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Embryonic Stem Cell Research Legalized in California
Stigmata669 writes "Against the wishes of the White House, it appears that Gov. Gray Davis has passed legislation to legalize embryonic stem cell research in California. The article sheds some light on the nature of this decision, and highlights the difference between this decision, and the continued ban on human cloning in California."
Bush only issued a ban on federal funds being used for embryonic stem cell research. There was no effect on private resarch, nor, to my knowledge, state funded research.
It also seems that Bush only took that position to appease some of the religious conservatives whose support he enjoys...
-- -- Warning. Do not stare directly at the sun.
As much as I support this legislation, the article was flawed when it said of Christopher Reeve:
"Reeve has said he has regained some feeling in his fingers and toes and urges further stem cell research as a way to treat paralysis."
Which would seem to indicate that he has somehow already benefitted from step cell research. AFAIK, he hasn't. His recovery so far has been almost entirely the result of physical therapy. The cause of stem cell research is harmed by inaccurate reporting, even when it seems to support the cause. Objectivity and honesty are the only way to go. Let the other side make the unproven, irrational claims. In the long run they will lose the fight.
There may be alot to gain from stem cell research, but the problem, as has already been stated, is the taking of life to obtain those cells. What we are really talking about here is the same as the abortion issue. Where does life begin? Pro-Choice and stem cell advocates would like to set the definition of life to birth (or perhaps later) so that they can do these things without it being considered Murder.
Stem Cell Researchers don't want to have to think about the morality of what they are doing, because they see the great potential in the research. That is understandable. I personally believe that life starts when you have a fertalized egg. I think that stem cell research should not be ruled out. But we need a good and morally un-controversial method of obtaining them. That should be our first priority. Once we have that, we don't have to worry about the killing babies issue.