"I am a microbiologist and I am afraid I see alternative business models and revenue streams proposed, for future treatment regimes and protocols you are apparently unaware of"
So... What business models and revenue stream would make fetal stem cells a better choice than adult cells? Why the push for fetal?
Your preaching to the choir :-) I am a catholic, in any event religious beliefs or not, I would never be able to reconcile my conscience with the immoral harvesting of stem cells from fetal donors. Any potential benefit would not be worth the loss of human life.
Concerning the utilization of fetal stem cells? A significant dollar spend on R&D has been made by many investors and private as well as public companies. Making a positive ROI on that investment is the main cause of the push with fetal stem cell research. In other cases scientists believe their particular application requires fetal stem cells. From what I have read, each case can only be judged on a case by case basis, or on the merits of the empirical data supporting one or the other white paper in this domain. There is no "blanket statement" that promotes fetal stem cells, adult stem cells or synthesized stem cells (see research in India and Taiwan in August 2005 NEJM for that one)over one another. Much as I would like that to be the case. It is important to look at the overview objectively without emotive or cognitive bias. it's hard to do that when science is murdering unborn children, however the battle will be won by reasoning in peer review, sadly it's doubtful that any ethical oversight will prevent utilization of human fetal stem cells in the future.