Stem Cell Research: For or Against

I am definitely for embryonic stem cell research and -- being optimistic -- the eventual treatments that arise from that. Many devastating neurological diseases as well can be helped, it has been shown, with stem cell treatment. I hope research moves swiftly along.

The research using our own stem cells is exciting, but I do not believe that it means we should stop embryonic stem cell research.  Like Diane said above, there are just so many diseases which have promise in being treated (or maybe even cured?) through stem cell research.

On an ethical standpoint, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the "medical waste" which is created in fertility clinics should at least be given the opportunity to serve a purpose larger than itself.  There will be many people who disagree with that sentiment and I can also see the issue from many viewpoints.

I have great hope that in the future, science will have progressed to the point where diseases and disorders can be cured or irradicated.  Thank you for tackling such a difficult and controversial subject.

Adult stem cell research/treatment:  All for it.  It has shown results already and I can't think of any serious ethical problems with it.  So, full steam ahead!

Embryonic stem cell research/treatment:  DEFINITELY against.  No exceptions.  It's the taking of an innocent human life and there can be no justification for that.  Yes, they are small.  Very small.  But, humanity is not determined by size.  "But they aren't really human."  Really?  What other species could they be?  "Well, they're potential human life."  Potential?  Well, then that presupposes that they could end up being something else.  What other kind of life form could they grow up to be?  Dr. Seuss had it right years ago:  A PERSON'S A PERSON, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. 

There are people in my family who have had devestating diseases.  My father died of Pick's Disease (a very rare form of dementia).  People who struggle with the reality of these diseases need a lot of support and are understandably looking for answers.  But, helping people with these diseases...even people as wonderful as my own father...doesn't justify the taking of innocent human life.  Let's keep on with the type of stem cell treatment that actually has shown concrete results AND that doesn't have these ethical problems associated with it:  Adult stem cell treatment and research.

I titled this comment "my 2 cents", which is all it's worth. I am definitely for adult stem cell research and 'wishy-washy' for embryonic stem cell research. I'd like tight controls over embryonic stem cell research, with parental permission and full disclosure on how they are used.

I'd like to see the process of use to be very transparent.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this difficult and controversial topic.

I think Julie's 'wishy-washy' view on embryonic stem cell research probably reflects how a great many people feel. Parental consent is already necessary, and I agree that transparency would be vital moving forward with any embryonic stem cell researach.

100 % for stem cell research.

My blog is

http://accessdenied-livingwithms.blogspot.com/

I was very excited to hear about this new procedure for MS.  I was hoping that I could be one of the lucky ones to be in a trial.  However, I am past the age limit for the trial.  I hope that this gets off the ground and proves to be the best treatment for MS.  I will look into other cities or countries to try and have this stem cell procedure done on myself.  After all, what do I have to lose, in my own situation I have already lost what I need the most, my independence.  If I can get relief from the pain and inbalance in my stance that would be great, even  if it lasted only a few years. 

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As the former spouse of person diagnosed initiallly with relapsing-remitting MS and then told he had been misdiagnosed, that he likely had primary-progressive MS, I fully support this research.  Not only for those with MS but all those with any chronic medical condition that mght benefit from stem cell therapy.

It was very difficult to see a person with near-genuis capabilities have his life literally destroyed, his dreams completely shattered as a result of his MS diagnosis which was followed by several small strokes.

We may no longer be together but my heart literally hurts for him.