STEM CELLS ARE PEOPLE TOO

[bobemm]

A woman with the genes for Huntington's disease goes through the process of in vitro fertilization. Through a few IVF cycles, a number of her fertilized ova are implanted in attempts at pregnancy. After the procedure is successful, the remaining ova are frozen.

The woman determines that she will not attempt additional pregnancies, and authorizes the University of Michigan's Center for Stem Cell Biology to use the remaining ova for research into Huntington's, which currently can't be cured and can just barely be treated.

What could happen:

No problem! Let the research begin. The excess ova are put to good use and used as pieces in a puzzle that may eventually alleviate the suffering of millions.

What does happen:

The lab is well-funded and ready to go. But due to various hurdles and blocks put in place by citizens and lawmakers with dubious intentions and questionable ethical claims, the researchers are unable to obtain clearance to do their work. The well-equipped lab remains idle, and the excess ova are discarded as medical waste.

. . .

I'd love to be convinced that this outcome makes any sense at all.

Comments

[die7fox.livejournal.com]

According to Montel Williams, this sort of thing happens quite often. One single dumpster dive would provide us with all of the stem cells we would ever need for at least a hundred years, possibly longer.

But no, the "ethicists" would rather see them annihilated than used for study. *rolls eyes*

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

It just occurred to me that if Microsoft says we can't reverse-engineer software, I guess God can say that we can't reverse-engineer blastocysts. I'm ok now :-D

[die7fox.livejournal.com]

Praise the lawd and pass the ammo.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

AMEN.

[dearborn-guy.livejournal.com]

LOL @ icon

[pebbles-patio.livejournal.com]

That's what I love most about the religious right...they come up with tons of reasons of why something should not be done, then if those reasons are no longer pertinent, they come up with a different reason for achieving that same goal. As long as it's in the name of jeebus, it's ok.

xoxox,
pebs

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

They're almost as squirrelly about stem cells as President Bush is about Iraq!

[likeawoman.livejournal.com]

this is what will render our empire, our country, our culture an irrelevant, backward relic. and the best part is that eventually we will experience the brain drain that we have exerted on the developing world, as our scientists leave for places where they can actually work and improve the world. it is embarassing.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

According to the article, the primary barriers are in state law, so at least the Michigan brain drain (in this case) can be to other states but still within the country. For now.

[likeawoman.livejournal.com]

well hopefully with W's growing irrelevance, for now will hold. the whole mess is appalling.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

I think in a broader sense, it would help if we moved toward representative democracy and away from direct democracy. The majority of people lack the time, resources, and intellect to make complex decisions about important society-wide issues. Worse, the majority of people don't realize that they aren't in a position to make those decisions. I trust my representatives to make those decisions for me, but maybe that's only because I live in Washtenaw County ;-P

[likeawoman.livejournal.com]

I'm inclined to agree, but political systems are not my forte, so perhaps I'd best serve myself with silence.

[brokn2pieces.livejournal.com]

Stem cells can't pray so I say we should be able to eat them.

Wait, was that what you were asking? I'm so confused.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

Yes, that was exactly the question, thank you. @_@

(how are you, my friend?)

[brokn2pieces.livejournal.com]

OIMALRITE

At the moment I am licking tuna off my fingers and enjoying the smell of a cinnamon flavored candle flickering not far away. In a matter of moments my roommate and I are going to the cheap theater to see the Clint Eastwood movie Flags of Our Fathers. It's a war movie so I am sure I'll be sufficiently bummed by night's end.

[dearborn-guy.livejournal.com]

Because using them for research is umm, the same as abortion. Or something. It's bad. God told me so!

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

hahaha don't think I won't cut you :-D

[brendand.livejournal.com]

STOP WITH THE CUTTING. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE AVOID YOU.

Really, though, I'm pretty busy with taxes, and drugs, but if you want to get together and play cards or something relaxing... you know, charity walks... I'm all for it.