Here from 2004 Debating stem cells, the beginning of life
By DAVID HORSEY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL CARTOONIST
The words of Seattle's Ron Reagan started me thinking about a Burning Question here at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
"I am here tonight," Reagan told the Democrats, "to talk about the issue of research into what may be the greatest medical breakthrough in our or in any lifetime: the use of embryonic stem cells -- cells created using the material of our own bodies -- to cure a wide range of fatal and debilitating illnesses: Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lymphoma, spinal cord injuries and much more."
The science suggests great promise. But others, including President Bush, say slow down. He's suggested a moral hazard ahead and that we ought to "consider the fundamental questions about the beginnings of life."
The stem cell debate raises huge issues, not the least of which is whether life begun at the cellular level is worthy of legal protection. These stem cells, at least for now, come from embryos left frozen at fertility clinics. The president's policy is to allow research only on a very limited number of existing stem cells, so that no new embryos will be used. His critics say he is merely pandering to zealots of the Religious Right.
How much of this debate is about science versus religion or one theology against another? Or, as Reagan asked: "How can we affirm life if we abandon those whose own lives are so desperately at risk?"
My Burning Question is this:
Should the next president step up stem cell research or stay the limited course?
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