If this issue were not to be resolved and the debate of ethics and federal funding continue to be argued, embryonic stem cell research would continue to advance at the same rate as it is now: slower than what it could be with the proper support and funding. If people are willing to come to a consensus, research would be able to further advance at a more rapid pace.
Even though all of the controversies I have discussed throughout this blog will continue to be debated in the future, I believe, whether federally or privately funded, stem cell research will continue to make progress and eventually be able to develop successful treatments and possibly cures. Much of the funding issue will change drastically with the upcoming 2008 presidential election. For example, if Hilary Clinton becomes elected, she has already stated she does not agree with President Bush’s veto on a bill for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, calling it a “ban on hope.” As with other democratic front runners, many believe in supporting embryonic stem cell research with federal funding. Therefore if a democrat is to be elected president in 2008, the chances of a bill being passed to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is likely. If embryonic stem cell research is able to gain positive support along with ample amount of funding, I believe there will be progress in research, and eventually within the next decade, cures found. Bioethics expert, Christopher Thomas Scott, gives a hypothetical timeline of events he feels will progress with stem cell research, stating that by 2014 the first cell therapy will be used in clinics.
Researching both sides of this issue and seeing the different viewpoints, the controversies over embryonic stem cell research will never completely diminish. Both sides of this binary issue contain strong arguments and reliable facts which rely on the personal opinion of the individual to come to a decision. Since the ethical issue of using embryos for research is not going to completely resolve, the progress of using adult stem cells will advance at a more rapid rate than with using embryos.
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2 comments:
i believe that the stem cell research will play a big role in the 2008 presidential election. this matter will have two sides and i think that more people will be against bush's reto and they will go with whoever is also against it within the election. if this process is funded more heavily i do think that it will proceed to a point. i dont know if by 2014 we will be using the first therapy but it is very possible. i guess the main point is whether peoples ethical principals will allow it.
Yes, the upcoming presidential election of 2008 will play a major impact on the advancement of embryonic stem cell research. If a democrat is elected, federal funding will most likely be put into place, but if a republican is elected, federal funding will not be pushed for research. However, I don't believe this issue of stem cell research will be the deciding factor of who the public votes for. I personally believe with the continuing advancement in technology and research, there is a very good possibility a successful therapy developed by stem cell research will be able to be used by the year 2014.
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