Stem-Cell Research
Stem-Cell research has
become a huge cultural issue, though it wasn't big enough to
derail George
W. Bush last year in his bid to win a second term.
For those of us supporting stem cell research, it's difficult
to get past the contradiction's in President Bush's policy. Bush rails against the destruction of embryos,
yet he and others on the right will not dare criticize parents
who create these embryos through in vitro fertilization, even
though embryos are inevitably doomed to be discarded and
therefore destroyed using this process. (Updated
- 5/16/06 by Gerardo Orlando)
Commentary:
Jonathan Alter argues that the stem-cell debate will
morph into the pro-cure
movement that could spell political trouble for Bush and
some Republicans in the 2006 elections. He pleads
for activists to start a movement around this issue.
Mort Kondracke explains
why stem-cell
research is a potential wedge issue for Kerry and the
Democrats.
Jonathan Alter addresses
the power of the stem-cell
research issue, and the impact Reagan may have on the
debate.
Jonathan Turley puts a
human face on the stem-cell
research debate.
Jeffrey B. Kahn explains how the restrictions on
embryonic stem-cell research in the United States might result
in a brain
drain as scientists decide to move overseas to continue
their research.
Politics:
Kos points out how the stem-cell debate can be a wedge
issue for Democrats if used effectively. He describes an
ad used in the New Jersey race for governor which uses a quadriplegic
to make the case for public funding.
News:
Nancy
Reagan is ready to get back into the stem-cell debate (SeattlePI.com)
States
stepping up to fill the stem-cell funding gap (USA
Today)
Ron
Reagan asks Dems to cast a vote for stem-cell research (Boston
Globe)
8
Senators seek easing of rules for stem cell research (Washington
Post)
Nancy
Reagan calls for stem cell research (Washington
Post)
RESOURCES:
NPR
- Brief Timeline of the Stem-Cell Debate
This useful timeline provides a good summary of how the debate
evolved over time.
National
Institute of Health - Stem-Cells
Official site and resource page on stem-cell research.
News
Batch
Useful summary of the outstanding issues.
CON:
DoNoHarm
Site opposed to embryonic stem-cell research.
Bush
Speech
Transcript of President Bush's speech on stem-cell research in
August 2001 outlining his compromise position.
Research
draws opposition
Testimony in Congress demonstrates how some are passionately
against the destruction of embryos to enable this research.
PRO:
Stem-Cell
Research Foundation
This group supports continuing embryonic stem cell research.
Read more about America's Culture
War.
Comments, questions and suggestions can be sent to Gerardo
Orlando at editor@orlandoreport.com.
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