Embryonic Stem Cell Research

There has been a lot of talk in the past day or two about embryonic stem cell research, primarily because the Senate just passed a bill expanding the legality of this type of research, as well as providing more federal dollars to it. This bill raises a number of important questions, from how viable is this technique, to is it morally right to sacrifice one person in order to save another.

Let us assume that embryonic stem cells really have the amazing potential that some people claim they do, that they really can cure paralysis, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and any number of other conditions. Let us also assume, for the sake of argument, that there are no viable alternatives to embryonic stem cells. Keep in mind that, in the process of extracting these cells, the unborn baby is killed. The only question remaining is the morality of destroying one life to save another. Is it right to kill an innocent person for the chance to save another? Self defense and defense of the helpless do not apply here, as the one to be killed is a baby. There is only one answer that can be given to this question, and it is undeniably "no!"

Even if this technology were the only way to cure these diseases, and it was guaranteed to work, it would still be immoral to sacrifice thousands of children to the cure, much less to research. What this bill is asking for is nothing less than child sacrifice, one of the most abhorrent practices that mankind has ever fallen into. It's just coated in scientific terms and "academic detachment." This sort of research is just as immoral as abortion.

Not only is embryonic stem cell research immoral, it is neither the only option, nor the most promising option. Stem cells can be extracted from adults, without causing their death. These adult stem cells have been used with more success than embryonic stem cells, and have none of the harmful side effects (similar to allergic reactions). With better alternatives available, why would we push for research into an area that is so clearly immoral? The answer can only be that our society has become so twisted by humanism and other lies, that we no longer value the lives of the innocent as we should. Thankfully, President Bush used his first veto on this bill. However, with the bill passing both houses of Congress, it is not likely to stay dead for very long. We need leaders who will not grow tired of doing good, but will continually stand for what is right.