Disclaimer *
**Yes - this relates to a homework assignment. NO - it will not really have any impact on the assignment. **
I’m writing a persuasive paper on embryonic stem cell research. This involves using donated human embryos to try to find cures or treatments for degenerative diseases. The embryos would be donated by the owners (the parents), when they no longer need them. These embryos would come from fertility clinics and if not used in SCR, they’d be frozen or destroyed.
For my paper, I’ve been told to find at least 10 published sources (I’ve done this already). I’ve also turned in two parts to this paper and I received an A on each part. I’m almost done with the paper. But, since all my sources are published, they tend to not be the opinions of regular people. I have senators, columnists, activists, medical research organizations, etc. But, I don’t really know what regular (not necessarily normal) people think. This is where you guys come in.
I probably wont even use any of this in my paper as I’m almost done and I only have a week left anyway. If any of this does show up in my paper, it will probably be along the lines of: I asked X many people what they thought and this is how many supported and opposed the research.
So, here’s what I want to know:
What country are you in? I don’t need to know how your country feels about this. I can find that for myself. I just want to know how international and US Dopers compare.
What do you think about this issue? Have you had any personal experience with either left over embryos or degenerative diseases?
Does your religion figure in to this in any way?
Repeat of Disclaimer * I’ve already done my research. I’m just curious about what public opinion is. I know this isn’t a scientific survey.
Research good-no personal experience but I’ll be writing a paper on the bioethical implications of stem cell research (extending jurisprudence from other areas of the law to stem cells)
I think all potential avenues of research are worth exploring in the effort to cure diseases, so long as nobody’s rights are being violated. I don’t consider a tiny lump of cells to be a person worthy of rights, so I say the more harvested stem cells, the merrier.
No, though I know a few people who have suffered or are suffering from degenerative diseases, including MS and Parkinson’s.
I am in favor of stem cell research, but have a sort of general squeamishness about the use of embryos. Can’t the necessary cells be extracted from umbilical cords? (Don’t answer that here, it’s mostly rhetorical and if I get bothered enough, I’ll go look it up. Hijack averted.)
U.S.
For it (I’m a medical researcher)
Christian Conservative
Being in graduate school has taught me the beauty of science and life. I firmly believe that science is asking “how” and my faith asks “why”. I believe that politices and religion should stay out of science.
Canada
Pro-research
No personal experience with leftover embryos, but my mom has MS, so anything that could help her or others is definitely cool.
No religion
All for stem cell research, theres to much potential benefit.
No personal experience.
I’m a muslim, and it has a strong impact on my beliefs. However Islam as far as i understand it does not hold that life begins at fertilization, so im religious but its irrelevant here.