Obviously this subject is very sensitive and quite controversial. Normally, I would have mixed feelings about it, but since I must take one side or the other, I believe I am for the advancement of this experimental research. .
So many people die everyday from diseases, which have no treatments and/or cures; Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and many, many others. This "therapeutic cloning" could be a giant step towards preventing these many deaths. I understand there are many medical and ethical questions raised about this idea, but I believe the possible results will outweigh the inquiry. I feel the health questions must be thoroughly researched before the procedure is put on the market. But, I feel that even if some harm may be produced by the procedure, the discretion should be left up to the patient, because if he or she is going to die from the disease, he or she may be willing to try anything to help them survive, even if it has some negative side effects.
The major ethical issue of both measures mentioned in the article is the tampering or destruction of a human embryo. In my opinion, the embryos produced in these processes are not "babies." They are specifically developed for the procedure, not as a future child. If scientists were taking embryos destined for birth and manipulating them, that is wrong, but that is not the case here. Therefore, ethically, I do not think the research crosses any boundaries. .
I understand why the government would be a little hesitant in providing a multitude of financial aid to this research. However, I believe some funds should be given. It appears that the intentions of these scientists are good and so many lives could eventually be spared. If all goes well, the money given by the government would contribute to the accomplishment of a great feat, from which many U.S. citizens would benefit.
I know that much work is left to do on "therapeutic cloning," but every step, big or small, is one more step in the direction of saving lives.
