Critical Paper, George W. Bush, Stem Cells Research
On August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush announced to a national audience his decision and new policy on stem cell research. President Bush explained to the United States how he would not allow federal money for new stem cell research. Federal money could only be used for existing stem cell lines. For any new stem cell research, the money must come from the private sector (Ruse, 11). This controversial decision is still a widely debated topic that is in the forefront of the current political landscape and could be a major determining factor in our next presidential election in 2008. The following will examine President Bush’s stance of stem cell research. Based on this news release from the White House, Bush’s policy does not thoroughly examine all aspects of this practice and is cause for even greater controversy.
Stem cells have been the topic of this controversy since the benefits of research have begun to be explored in science. Scientist have been researching how stem cells can be used to treat and possibly cure many diseases and conditions commonly found in people of all ages. Examples of potential conditions that have been found to benefit from treatment with the use of stem cells include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type I diabetes. Other diseases that are being researched for possible treatments and cures include Lou Gehrigs disease, retinal disease, and various blood diseases (Manninen, PowerPoint slide 28). One of the major findings in the research of stem cells include the ability for stem cells to develop into spinal cord cells to reconnect severed cords. This has been researched and supported in the treatment and study of rats used in laboratory research (Manninen, PowerPoint slide 19 link). This would provide the potential to treat people who have become paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries and would provide great benefits to spinal cord patients. The use of these stem cells to treat and possibly cure these major conditions have been
Stem cells have been the topic of this controversy since the benefits of research have begun to be explored in science. Scientist have been researching how stem cells can be used to treat and possibly cure many diseases and conditions commonly found in people of all ages. Examples of potential conditions that have been found to benefit from treatment with the use of stem cells include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type I diabetes. Other diseases that are being researched for possible treatments and cures include Lou Gehrigs disease, retinal disease, and various blood diseases (Manninen, PowerPoint slide 28). One of the major findings in the research of stem cells include the ability for stem cells to develop into spinal cord cells to reconnect severed cords. This has been researched and supported in the treatment and study of rats used in laboratory research (Manninen, PowerPoint slide 19 link). This would provide the potential to treat people who have become paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries and would provide great benefits to spinal cord patients. The use of these stem cells to treat and possibly cure these major conditions have been
Bibliography: Ruse, Michael; Pynes, Christopher. 2006. The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues, 2nd Edition. New York: Prometheus Books. Prentice, Dr. David. 2004. Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research. Retrieved on March 22, 2008. Available on the World Wide Web: www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research. Manninen, Dr. Bertha Alvarez. Introduction to Stem Cell Research. PowerPoint Retrieved on March 23,2008.