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Tuesday, 03 February 2009

Confusion discourages research support

While I was very interested to see the opinion piece in the paper on stem cells, there were a few misconceptions I believe need to be clarified.

While I agree with Patrick Babcock that stem cell research is very important, I was disappointed that he undercut his own argument by saying stem cells come from “aborted fetuses.” Stem cells do not come from fetuses.

“Fetus” is the medical term used for a baby from two or three months of development until birth.

Stem Cells on the other hand come from embryos which refers to the fertilized egg from conception to about two months.

While I’m sure Mr. Babcock didn’t attempt to misconstrue these terms on purpose, it’s misconceptions such as these that might make people not support this necessary branch of research.

Sophie E. Harton
sophomore English major
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Ms. Harton is trying to confuse the issue
written by Jamie St. Clair, February 04, 2009

Ms. Harton - does it matter to you that if the fertilized egg (that would be with sperm) were allowed to grow and develop naturally, that in 9 months a baby would be born via natural birth? Given the chain of events, what significance does the 2 month mark matter? At the moment of conception, or fertilization for those who want to remove the human element, the egg is no longer just an egg and the sperm is no longer just a sperm but instead have to together to create a unique human being. The embryo would not develop into a paper bag or unicorn, but it is the foundation of a human child - like you once started out as.

Check your mirror to see whose confusing the issue. The depths of embryonic stem cell research will and already has lead our civilations into fetal farming and cloning. And given the zero therapies created so far, what's the point? Many groups overseas have abandoned embryonic stem cells for the ripe and growing developments with adult stem cells and cord blood stem cells. Why are you and others so hell bent on destroying life for nothing?

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