What is the problem with Stem Cell research?

[Caldric]

I do not understand the problem behind this huge debate. Science = Cures = Happiness for humans. Maybe that is simplistic but really people are we going to live in our world of science where the universe orbits the earth?

I mean perhaps I am missing something here but to me if we can cure things and make life better for the entire human race then what is the issue? I have tried reading on the matter but I always fall away into day dreaming. I do not understand Bush's dislike of it nor why we are in this huge fight over it.

We can spend a 100 billion on a war for a people who could careless but we can not spend a few billion to kick off Stem Cell Research? What am I missing here? Why is people so upset about it? Is not like creating life or something heaven forbid.

California is paying for its own research in this field and good for them.

[GoddessLindsey]

I think a lot of the problem relies that there are huge amounts of stem cells in fetal development. It's on ongoing debate of the question of people playing God, when babies/fetuses are sometimes disposed of during this process. I think that's one of the main reasons the President opposed it.

However, the fetus is not the only place that stem cells can be found. My microbiology/anatomy prof was telling me that she read an article that an experiment was done in Portugal (I think that's where it was), where they took some stem cells out of the bridge of a little girl's nose. The little girl is paralyzed from the waist down. Only a couple days after transplanting the stem cells somewhere in the paralyzed area(I need to find the article dammit!), the little girl reported sensations of tingling in her bottom, which she had never felt before...which is absolutley huge.

[Snowden]

I also read where they found that fatty tissue produces the best stem cells. From adults, yet. But yes, it is the fact that the first place they were identified was in the natal cord and with fetuses. Using those, the latter, meant the baby died.

They have also had success treating Parkinson's patients with cells from their own arms or legs.

The research just should not stop with the gathering of cells from fetuses and their tissue; which has been found inferior to the other in many studies.

[Caldric]

What about invitro? If I am correct that is a good place for Stem cells from the micro cells of the egg. Is that against religious beliefs? And I am not bashing religion here I am just on a quest to find out this weekend.

[JohnRN]

If you want to talk about "playing God" let's talk Triage -- to me, that's the ultimate act of playing "God".

Or how about organ donation and recipient critetia?

Face it, human beings in certain positions have been playing "God" for ages...

[GoddessLindsey]

Originally Posted by John.

If you want to talk about "playing God" let's talk Triage -- to me, that's the ultimate act of playing "God".

Or how about organ donation and recipient critetia?

Face it, human beings in certain positions have been playing "God" for ages...

I agree..but I think that is a little different. Depending on machines, drugs, etc to save a life is one thing. Someone receiving a donated organ is also one thing. But it's a different game when you take life away for the purposes of cells. I just don't think we have that right.

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by GoddessLindsey

But it's a different game when you take life away for the purposes of cells. I just don't think we have that right.

For me that is the crux of the question. I really don't have a clear understanding of how or where stem cells are taken. Is taking a life really happening ? Is taking a life the only source of stem cells ? Is there a simple to understand explanation out there somewhere?

For example I'd like to see this as an explanation. What ever stems cells would be used for could follow this example.

For spinal recovery stem cells from X, Y, or Z must be used and those cells have to be generated from [ where ever they have to be generated from].

Simple, straight forward language. Knowing the medical terms or exact procedure isn't necessary is it?