The Stem Cell Debate Is Over

The past couple elections have seen an increasing battle over stem cells and stem cell development, presenting Americans with a steadily intensifying ethical argument. The key element is embryonic stem cells versus adult stem cells.

In a nutshell, embryonic stem cell supporters say that many future cures could be found by continuing this research, and maintain that the creation of artificial stem cells does not constitute the cloning of a human being. The opposition points out that the process of creating embryonic stem cells equates to cloning of humans, and suggests that adult stem cell research is far more effective (over 70 actual cures, compared to 0 cures from embryonic research) while removing all ethical concerns. In reality, the stem cell debate is basically the newest version of the abortion debate, with very similar sides drawn up.

That debate is now over. A new method has been developed to create stem cells with the flexibility of embryonic cells but without the embryo destruction inherently involved. Dr. James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin, a pioneer in embryo-destructive stem-cell research in the late 1990s, was one of the scientists who discovered the new method. Thomson took a lot of heat for his hand in destructive stem cell research, and is thus very relieved to be a part of ending it:

"If human embryonic stem cell research does not make you at least a little bit uncomfortable, you have not thought about it enough."

The new method involves simply adding four genes to a normal adult skin cell. In addition to removing the ethical dilemma involved in the stem cell debate, researchers will likely move to this method because it is relatively simple to reproduce.

So, there is no reason -- ethically or technologically -- to continue research on embryonic stem cells. Debate over. Period.

Anyone who insists on continuing is blatantly pro-abortion, one of those rare types who wants to see as many abortions performed as possible.

Rich Lowry at NRO gives kudos to President Bush for holding to his moral standards back in 2001, allowing research to move forward with existing lines of stem cells while prohibiting future embryonic (destructive) research. In retrospect, his stance allowed room for this breakthrough while maintaining the integrity of his faith, as well as that of many Americans.

Good news on an issue that was likely to be pretty important, not only to the 2008 elections, but also to many Americans in general.

There's my two cents.