From American Thinker
I've been trying to understand why, despite the overwhelming evidence that adult stem cells are a better practical and ethical solution, ESCR is receiving such heavy support from the media, researchers and politicians. I've considered the affinity to the pro-abortion movement, and the foot-in-the-door to cloning, but this article points to an addition motivation:
Yet another reason has emerged why there is incessant pressure for embryonic stem cell research, despite mounting evidence of its inferiority to adult stem cell research, in testimony before a Senate Committee on July 14, 2004. After discussing the cases of the two paralyzed young women who were now walking after adult stem cell treatment in Portugal, Dr.Jean Peduzzi-Nelson pointed out that an embryonic stem cell product could become patentable and potentially yield enormous profits. But an adult stem cell therapy, in which the patient’s own cells were used, could not produce a patentable procedure or product according to current laws.
More on Marlowe's Shade
Profit has got to be one of the least concerns when advocating embryonic stem cell research. The fact remains that embryonic stem cells may develop into virtually every type of cell in the human body. That remains to be proven for adult stem cells. The primary motivation behind the push for embryonic stem cell research is that it holds the most potential for a multitude of research avenues.
I still don't understand how and/or why people prioritize a blastocyst (read dot) over living, breathing human beings, children and adults, who suffer daily and pray for cures. I'm still looking for someone to explain it convincingly.
You're invited to post on our blog if you like. We are looking for civil dialogue from both sides on the Beginning of Human Life. The differing opinions on that subject certainly impact support or lack thereof for embryonic stem cell research.
"I still don't understand how and/or why people prioritize a blastocyst (read dot) over living, breathing human beings, children and adults, who suffer daily and pray for cures. I'm still looking for someone to explain it convincingly."
We believe in the dignity of human life and do not assign value based on development, intelligence, ability, health status, race, gender, etc. or any other instrumental characteristic. Consequently, the unborn child, even at its earliest age, has the SAME right to life as an adult. This is not prioritizing one over the other as you have suggested. We have no right to demand the life of another to treat our illnesses or medical conditions.