Nicholas A. Rhoades voiced the strong need for a frank discussion on embryonic stem cell research and the core issue surrounding it in his comments on Simple Thoughts blog.

If we are to have a frank discussion on this topic (and hopefully move foward), we need to recognize what it is that we are really debating.

Right now, in the media and political circles at least, both sides of the the stem-cell debate are yelling right past each other. On the one hand, those who support embryonic stem cell research argue that this line of research offers great promise to eventually cure many devestating diseases, and that we should proceed in the hopes of fullfilling this promise. On the other hand, those that oppose embryonic stem cell research argue that it is wrong to destroy one human life to cure another, an anti ends justifies the means argument.

In truth, most people of both ideologies would agree to both these suppositions. It is a worthwhile goal to try and cure disease and eleviate suffering. It is also wrong to kill one human to help another. These general moral statements could probably be found in most religious and secular moral codes anywhere. Certainly, when we hear the politicians ‘debate’ this issue, all they do is spout either of these principles. But what are we not hearing?

What we are not hearing, what the politicians and media are afraid of debating is the real basis of argument between both sides: Is an embryo a human life? To be fair, the conservative anti embryonic stem cell research side does frequently use the stance that embryo’s are human life to justify their opposition. The liberal pro research side unfortunately refuses to address this argument.

So, is an embryo the kind if thing that has rights, and should be protected. For my part, I say no. Embryos do not exhibit any of the unique qualities a human being that has rights does. An embryo does not feal pain, does not have a sense of self, can not make decisions, could never make decision, has no consciousness, and by itself does not even have a potential for developing any of these qualities.

The arguemnt noted above is a very quick and general one, but at bottom will lead to the true heart of the issue, religion. The conservatives believe that an emryo is life because of religious convictions. And because we live in a society that says that everyone’s opinion is equally valid, and because the democrats are afraid to challenge anyone’s religious beliefs, we are stuck in a quagmire of rhetoric where both sides are saying things that everyone believs, and no one is really talking about the things that we do have differences on. And no one yet has made the argument that the religious right can not prove their case and further more that their religious convictions have no place in a legal system that is suppoed to govern everyone, not just members of their church. And what happens as a result? People continue to suffer and die everyday from these diseases that could potentially be cured all in the name of political correctness.

So, do call your congressmen and women to tell them how you feel. But more importantly, call them and tell them to stop being more concerned with their poll rating than with suffering and death and live up to the responsibilities we have given them.

Thanks Nicholas for beautifully highlighting the core issues. Looking forward to a meaningful discussion on this topic.

Filed under Advocacy, Stem Cell | 2 Comments