Chris Mooney On The "Adult Stem Cell Charade"

Chris Mooney has some pointed comments on one particular facet of dishonesty from opponents of embryonic stem cell research:

What is it with conservatives that makes them feel like they have to take a contrary scientific position on issues like embryonic stem cell research, rather than simply stating their moral disapproval? This drives me absolutely nuts.

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I mean, are we really supposed to believe, based on a scientific-sounding article by a patient's advocate, that all of the mainstream scientific societies advocating embryonic stem cell research have it wrong? That may sound like a ridiculous notion, but it's at the very core of the right's argumentative arsenal on the issue of stem cell research.

I've mentioned sort of thing before once or twice. Simply put, unimpeded adult and embryonic stem cell research are required for research into regenerative medicine to move ahead at the best possible pace. The best thing that politicians can do is to leave medical research and businesses unmolested.

Comments

I had said it before and I'll say it again, millions of embryos are to be destroyed in clinics. 100s of millions if not billions of embryos are lost each year naturally through attempts at natural reproduction taking place all over the globe(failure to implant, either environmental problems arising and/or presence of genetic defects resulting in spontaneous abortion, sometimes too early to even notice, and the like.). Those who oppose e-stem cell research must, due to need for consistency in their views, see this as wrong and must seek means to stop this.

Sterilizing themselves or remaining in abstinence for the rest of their lives(this is the only option for catholics, whose belief system I've heard opposes sex without probability of reproduction), would be a first step. If they do not do this, there'll be the probability of personally destroying embryos, which goes against their morals.

Given that they don't seem to make much of an issue of this, nor due many seem willing to relinquish their sex lives, their views are thus cast as inconsistent. Internally inconsistent arguments, are illogical, they hold no weight. This is the sad truth that lies behind all those e-stem cell debates. I just hope someone decides to finally show that their emperor really has no clothes.

Posted by: Apocalypse at October 25th, 2004 7:16 PM
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