I think I’ll kick off my blog by stating my opinion on a pretty controversial topic - stem cell research. Personally, I support stem cell research for two reasons. Firstly, the potential medical benefits of embryonic stem cell research are enormous - even dedicated opponents cannot deny this with any serious conviction, this is shown by their willingness to approve of research concerning the use of adult stem cells, or stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood. Secondly, there is no reason to believe that a soul exists, or that it enters a zygote at the moment of conception (and, therefore, that blastocysts are morally equivalent to adult human beings).
There is no reason to believe that killing a cluster of 150 cells is morally worse than squishing a bug, boiling a lobster or even frying an egg. An adult lobster has a highly developed nervous system and is almost certainly capable of feeling the sensation of pain. Embryonic cells, on the other hand, have no nervous system – they cannot feel pain hence they do not suffer. I would also like to point out that although 150 cells sounds like a lot, it isn’t, especially when one considers that there are approximately 250,000 cells in the brain of an ant. Stem cell research opponents should tread carefully when they walk through their gardens, less they step on an ant and commit cell genocide.
It is also sometimes argued that embryonic stem cells should be given special consideration because they are potential people. On that basis, any human cell containing a nucleus now has the potential to become a person, when given proper manipulation. Each time a proponent of this argument scratches an itch or washes their hands; they – by their own reasoning – commit a genocide of potential people.
Finally, one (admittedly anecdotal) observation I have made is that many of the religious lunatics who fervently combat the obliteration of embryonic life are not so enthusiastic when it comes to averting the obliteration of adult Iraqi lives.
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There is no reason to believe that killing a cluster of 150 cells is morally worse than squishing a bug, boiling a lobster or even frying an egg. An adult lobster has a highly developed nervous system and is almost certainly capable of feeling the sensation of pain. Embryonic cells, on the other hand, have no nervous system – they cannot feel pain hence they do not suffer. I would also like to point out that although 150 cells sounds like a lot, it isn’t, especially when one considers that there are approximately 250,000 cells in the brain of an ant. Stem cell research opponents should tread carefully when they walk through their gardens, less they step on an ant and commit cell genocide.
It is also sometimes argued that embryonic stem cells should be given special consideration because they are potential people. On that basis, any human cell containing a nucleus now has the potential to become a person, when given proper manipulation. Each time a proponent of this argument scratches an itch or washes their hands; they – by their own reasoning – commit a genocide of potential people.
Finally, one (admittedly anecdotal) observation I have made is that many of the religious lunatics who fervently combat the obliteration of embryonic life are not so enthusiastic when it comes to averting the obliteration of adult Iraqi lives.
You're absolutely right. There's no good reason to keep stem cell research from happening. There's so much benefit that can be found that the possible moral aprehensions don't outweight the benefits, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I love that you're bringing out the geek in you and decided to blog about science. I can't wait to see what other topics you decide to discuss in the future.
@AlejandraJamie
ReplyDeleteYou are my first follower (the first time is usually forgettable, but this case is a clear exception). And yes, I came out (burst out actually) of the geek closet a while ago – I am now free to have public nerdgasms whenever I see Chris Pine or Leonard Nimoy.
Also, I do of course agree with you that the potential medical benefits of stem cell research far outweigh any concerns regarding the suffering of cells that do not have nervous systems.