Locals React to Stem Cell Legislation
Local News
by
Michael Dupre
last edited on
Friday, March 13, 2009
President Obama added fuel to the stem cell controversy when he signed a bill that will allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research this week.
But some question if it's ethical, and where science should draw the line. Those in favor of using them, say their uses are almost limitless.
Dr. Marvin Buehner, O.B.G.Y.N., says, "Embryonic stem cell research carries the potential to cure a great number of diseases and to reverse a number of serious injuries in this country."
But finding those answers with embryonic stem cells could mean crossing an ethical line about life and when it begins because those stem cells are from discarded embryos.
Dr. Priscilla Bade, M.D. Internal Medicine, "The problem with using embryonic cells is we can't prove scientifically this isn't a person because we can't measure a soul. So if you take an embryo apart, are you killing somebody?"
Bishop Blase Cupich believes life begins at conception. He says destroying embryos can not be justified.
He's in favor of research to cure diseases but he says there are some scientific risks that are not worth taking.
Bishop Blase Cupich, Rapid City Catholic Diocese, says, "The real issue is, do you destroy them to experiment on them. Will this also create a market for more? The president says he's against cloning and I believe him. At the same time, the wall between using human embryos for experimentation and cloning more of them is too tempting for the financial gain that can be involved."
But, Dr. Beaner doesn't think that will happen.
"The safe guards President Obama wants to place on this should be reassuring to people who have ethical qualms about it. It won't be used for human cloning, it won't be used to generate embryos specifically for the cause of research and to develop these cell lines. "
Using adult stem cells instead of embryonic could be a way of getting around the ethical objections.
"It's clear that's the way to go, and it does not have moral objection to it."
"If you give them the right signals, in the laboratory dish, they can become other kinds of cells."
For now, the ethical battle of right and wrong will continue, while the world waits to see what science will do with new federal funding.
President Obama says the potential of embryonic stem cell research is great and that with proper guidelines, and strict oversight, some problems can be avoided.