Topic > Political action regarding stem cell research

In general, people who are on the left support all types of stem cell research, including the rather controversial and stigmatized research on embryonic stem cells. This sometimes involves creating and destroying embryos, or fetuses in the early stages of development, in order to harvest stem cells. Although stem cell research is a relatively new frontier in the world of medicine, it has already led to significant advances in the field. Stem cells are capable of transforming into other cell types and have the potential to regenerate tissue over time, leading to life-changing treatments for various medical problems. Embryonic stem cells are superior to others because they have the ability to transform into ANY cell type, not just a select few. The left argues that such invaluable scientific knowledge overcomes the ethical dilemma of recovering stem cells from human embryos (some may consider the embryo a human being with a full right to life). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayCongress has had its hand in stem cell research since the 1970s. At the beginning of this policy, most of the actions were in favor of the right-wing position and therefore placed restrictions on stem cell research, especially embryonic ones. Despite these limitations, private researchers have continued to work with embryonic stem cells with great success. In 1995, President Clinton banned federal funding for research on embryos created for the sole purpose of testing, but authorized funding for research on embryos left over from fertility clinics. During the Bush administration, several attempts were made to expand federal funding, but President Bush vetoed each one. In 2009, however, the left made progress when President Obama reversed many of the restrictions that Bush had implemented during his term. Naturally, opposition ensued and a lawsuit was filed challenging the expansion of federal funding, but it was rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals. This game of legislative tag persists to this day. The left's position on this issue is a prime example of its rationalist values. They avoid reference to any religious notions and instead rely strictly on secular, scientific logic. For example, John Kerry displayed rationalism when speaking about stem cell research during the 2004 Democratic National Convention: “What if we had a president who believed in science so we could unleash the wonders of discovery like stem cell research to cure diseases and save millions of people? of lives?" Egalitarianism is also evident in their support of stem cell research, as they seek to help their fellow man by encouraging research that could lead to breakthrough discoveries that could cure a multitude of diseases. Furthermore, their hope to lead the world in this research and to share their progress with other countries demonstrates a certain degree of internationalism. Democrats also want to avoid falling behind in this scientific race, so they will not hesitate to make rapid political decisions government should not intertwine (since this could create a conflict of interest), Democrats believe that it is a necessary partnership if the country is to make progress in medicine, technology and so on. Their mentality is that theythey need our help and we need their help, so it's a mutually beneficial relationship. Finally, Democrats have also proposed making stem cell donation an option for women in abortion clinics, which demonstrates their emphasis on individual freedoms and the right to control one's own body. For the most part, those on the right side of the spectrum condemn embryonic stem cell research but support other types. The most common reason for their opposition concerns morality, as they feel it is their obligation to protect the well-being of all life, including embryos. For example, Republican Jeb Bush, among many other conservatives, has said that using embryos for research is a form of disrespect for life. They are particularly troubled by the idea of ​​creating human embryos in a laboratory for experimentation and, ultimately, destruction. In their eyes, it essentially means using human life as a means to an end. Another concern about this research is that it could lead to more dehumanizing practices and institutions. The early 2000s saw the most political action regarding this issue, with the right leading the way. In 2001, President Bush made a major decision to cut funding for most embryonic stem cell research. This policy did not affect private or state-funded research. Bush continued to maintain this policy for the remainder of his term. However, there were several close calls. In 2005, President Bush first used his veto power to overturn the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which passed Congress with strong bipartisan support. However, Congress was undeterred and attempted to pass a similar act in 2007, but once again Bush immediately vetoed it. These vetoes signal the end of any activity on the part of the Bush administration. Earlier this year, President Trump announced that National Institutes of Health (NIH) employees can no longer conduct research with human fetal tissue and that academic researchers seeking grants will face new restrictions. This has been the most recent political effort in recent times, so the right is currently the winner of this debate. Undoubtedly, faith is the most influential factor behind conservative logic on this issue. Since the right largely follows a Christian or Catholic denomination, their argument emphasizes the importance and dignity of human life, which according to the Bible begins at conception. Therefore, most of the right is strongly opposed to research that derives stem cells from human embryos. Not only do traditional religious texts heavily influence right-wing decision-making, but so do modern religious leaders. In a 2006 international speech, Pope Benedict XVI said: “The destruction of human embryos to harvest stem cells not only lacks the light of God, but is also devoid of humanity and does not truly serve humanity.” Simply put, both the left and the right agree that human life should be respected and cured of disease, but they disagree on where human life begins. The right's view also reflects their elitist nature, as they seek to project their own subjective religious/moral beliefs onto others using political power. Nationalism is also evident in their reasoning because they believe they are working in the best interest of the nation. Finally, since those on the right are not big supporters of change, they seem to lack enthusiasm about this issue since it is new and..