One of the Best Commentary writers on the Internet simplifies the issue of Stem Cell Research in an attempt to make it easier for all of us to understand.


   
 

“Simply Stem Cells,” by Ryan Anderson

March 25th, 2005

O'Ryan FactorThe death of Christopher Reeve hit many people hard. By all accounts, he was a great man. Paralyzed after being tossed from a horse, Reeve dedicated his time to finding a cure. He was an inspiration for many, continuing with life and even work. Reeve also became one of the biggest advocates for stem cell research, hoping for a cure to paralysis. However Reeve didn’t live to see that as he died October 10th, 2004.

Stem cell research was a large issue of this past election. However, a great deal of people don’t know what they are. Stem cells are the cells that are first created when you are born. These cells morph into other types of cells eventually. This means it could hypothetically turn into a muscle cell and cure things like Alzheimer’s.  That is an amazing concept. Even more amazing are the success stories. The cells have proven to connect nerves and replace blood cells.

Here’s the catch- those results were gained with adult stem cells. The ethical debate takes place over embryonic stem cells. In order to do this the embryos must be destroyed. So…are embryos human life? Yes they are. That’s my opinion at least. Many, like me, believe life starts at conception. Scientists maintain an embryo is an embryo. Think about this for a second, though.   If you didn’t murder this embryo…it would grow up into little Jack or Jill. So it is living.  Even the Vatican has spoken out on this. John Paul the second said this:

“Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his Successors, and in communion with the Bishops of the Catholic Church, I confirm that the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral. This doctrine, based upon that unwritten law which man, in the light of reason, finds in his own heart (cf. Rom 2:14-15), is reaffirmed by Sacred Scripture, transmitted by the Tradition of the Church and taught by the ordinary and universal Magisterium.”

 

For some reason, people ignore the benefits of adult stem cells or from umbilical cords. Both of these are non controversial and don’t involve the killing of anything. That doesn’t stop them from pushing for embryonic research. Let me remind you that no progress has been made with these. Ron Reagan, son of the late president, even spoke in support of them. Mostly anyone in Hollywood will tell you they want it. The issue has gotten so out of control opinions are coming out of strange places. An 2003 episode of the perverse television show “South Park” vilified Reeve, showing him as someone killing embryos left and right to benefit himself.

That’s horrible. You don’t want to say things like that; because you don’t know Christopher Reeve. Keep in mind, also, that he was doing this to ultimately help people. Michael J. Fox is another great example. He suffers from Parkinson’s. He wants to help people. No matter how misguided you feel these people are, respect them. Unfortunately, Hollywood will not stop their continued advocacy for this research.

So why isn’t adult stem cell research enough? I can’t tell you. I can tell you that embryonic stem cell research is wrong and it doesn’t need to happen. Embryonic stem cell research is a joke…and the punch-line is destroying human life.  Do everything you can to stop it...because if we don’t, it’ll just get worse. 

 
   

 

Read Ryan Anderson's Blog: The Anderson Factor.

 

 
 

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More articles from Ren can be found here: The Rant Archive