Embrionic Stem Cell Research

[Cerb]

This rather controversial subject is very much close to my heart. It leaves me torn in half in a very fundamental way.

As many of you know, I'm blind. It's a silly little genetic disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa that came to me through my mother.

My brother ended up having kids and, very fortunately, both of his children were boys. Both my brother and I are blind, but we are the last that will pass it on in our blood line.

Now, to the matter at hand. Our best chance of a cure is stem cell research. I often ask myself if I could stand the thought of my vision being cured through embryonic stem cell therapy.


So, what are your thoughts on this?

[Takaram]

Personally, I have no qualms about such things, though I realize that the issue is not nearly as important to me as it is to you. Embryonic stem cells have great potential to help heal diseases and injuries which are currently considered untreatable. My personal stance is that such things should be allowed to be researched to their full potential.

[Enigmatic]

I have certain issues regarding certain ways in which stem cells might be obtained, but there are constant breakthroughs in that regard. I just read the other day about obtaining stem cells from heart muscle cells. I have no problems with that and there are plenty of other unobjectionable methods. I say if the stem cells are obtained in the correct manner, research away.

[Estayland]

Embryonic stem cells currently show no promise because they are haphazard and are known to cause tumors to form. Adult stem cells and cord blood stem cells have produced awesome results.