Categories: Science and Tech

On Wednesday, President Bush vetoed a bill to fund stem cell research. The veto was the first of his presidency, and would set back stem cell research several years. Bush cited morality as the grounds for his decision. According to polls, most Americans disagree with him. Great, another reason for the Americans to dislike him. I swear, Stalin gets more love than Bush. This has re-ignited the issue of stem cell research. Its proponents argue that it has the potential to save millions from several life threatening diseases. Its most famous proponents are the late Christopher Reeve and Micheal J. Fox. Some of them only care if America beats other countries in stem cell research. Real unselfish guys. Opponents say that because stem cells are extracted from embryos, which are destroyed in the process, it’s really an act of murder. This also has the potential to re-ignite the abortion debate, as to what is the proper definition of “life.”

People are very vocal about this issue, and the voices grow louder and louder each day. Some say Bush is doing this to pander to the Christian right. Some say Bush should be more concerned with oil prices and the war in Iraq, being fought by fully grown embryos. And others think this is typical Bush stupidity. But in his defense, he does support adult stem cell research. I’m a pro-lifer, but I disagree with Bush’s veto. Abortion is wrong, as there are more humane alternatives such as adoption. But in today’s throwaway society, who cares? It’s an inconvenience, so get rid of it. Then justify your action by not calling it life. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. If the foetuses are going to be discarded, then why not use them to save a few lives? Stem cell research as the potential to be one of the greatest medical breakthroughs since penicillin, and must be pursued. But at what cost? I guess it all comes down to whether or not you think one life for another is a fair trade.