The Science, Ethics, and Politics of Stem Cell Research
Abstract
Federal funding of stem cell research is a significant controversy, which has caught public attention from every part of society. The complex nature of the debate has led to divisions within religions and political parties,as well as forcing us to reconsider what it means to be “pro-life.†When President George W. Bush used his first televised public address to announce his policy on the federal funding of stem cell research, itbrought new exposure to an issue that encompasses moral, ethical, religious, scientific, and economic grounds. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have presented bills that would repeal thePresident’s policy. This paper provides an explanation of what stem cell research is, and examines the ethical issues involved. With this background an assessment of the current debate involving the White House, Congress, and religious groups, as well as the public in general, is offered. Finally a recommendation is given that President Bush reconsider his position, and allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research onexcess embryos from in vitro fertilization.Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
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