Scorecard:
Adult stem cells: hundreds of successful therapies
Embryonic stem cells: zero therapies, despite mega funding
Yup. Private funding is low, from what I understand, because ESC research isn't promising. But the culture of death still wants to fund research on human embryos.
I understand this thought process behind your argument, but I have always found it disingenuous at best.
The problem is that embryonic stem cells were first isolated in November 1998. That gives adult stem cells a 30+ year head start in research. Naturally adult stem cell research is more advanced and would be more likely to produce results.
When it comes to funding, the business world only seriously invests its own cash when there is a positive expected return. Did we see large business investment in adult stem cell research in the 1960s, or was it largely government funding? Do you expect businesses to fund work that may or may not pay out in 30 years?
In any case, this is a moral argument, and we should keep it as a moral argument. I think Bill Bennett made a similar argument - don't mix economic arguments with moral ones, as you can end up with silly looking assertions...
I'm unpersuaded that the scorecard informs the debate in anything but a cost-benefit sense. In fact, the dearth of therapies suggests that more research is necessary. As I see it, the issue is whether or not, assuming embryonic stem cell research could yield the results we want, such research is morally justified.
I agree with the president that it is not rather than the medical Machiavellis that believe the end justifies the means no matter how many smaller human beings are callously sacrificed. Wouldn't it be ironic if one of these embryonic lab rats was the one person who would otherwise find a cure for cancer or AIDS?
Not only that, but embryonic stem cells have caused GREAT damage.....to the DONOR of course, but also to the DONEE.
Adult stem cells: hundreds of successful therapies
Embryonic stem cells: zero therapies, despite mega funding
Bears repeating. Plus the reminder that there is no ban on embryonic stem cell research, just a ban on MY TAX DOLLARS supporting BAD R&D.
Given the track record, why do you think it is that politicians are emphasizing EMBRYONIC stem-cell research? From a purely scientific standpoint, I'm baffled by that. What could the underlying agenda be?