The report from the TV program '730 Report' by Michael Brissendon, discussed revolutionary advances made in the US by using embryonic stemcell research.

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2745574.htm

"Scientists in the United States say they are just a few years away from a revolutionary advance in medical technology that could cure such debilitating diseases as diabetes and HIV. President Barack Obama’s decision back in march to overturn the bush administration's veto of funding for embryonic stem cell research has resulted in an unprecedented acceleration of scientific outcomes."

Consider the huge arguments the Obama Administration caused in the US and other countries, including Australia, when they allowed scientists to recommence using embryonic stemcells in their search for cures to many diseases.

What does everyone now feel about this controversial subject?
Did Obama make the right decision to allow scientists almost unrestricted use of leftover IVF embryos?

Is it more ethically or morally correct to destroy unwanted embryos rather than to use them for research to help save many more lives or give people a better quality of life?

Suze.

The main objections to stem cell research will come from the religious right, who have awarded themselves the crown of moral superiority.

This research has saved lives and can save millions more. And the ban on this reseach will only mean that it is done by others.

What, as opposed to your own sense of theological superiority, S&M?.

My partner has had a double lung transplant. To me, the miracle of that is no different to the potential of stem cell research, and I'm a Christian.

Couldn't it be argued that God gave medicine the ability?.

Anyway, back to the topic.

I think it's ridiculous to just waste embryoes. Totally for it, as long as the tech is used 'for good'.

Suzie,
IMHO that's a no brainer of course it should be allowed.

Subject to the usual ethics oversights

Excellent news! And good on Obama for overturning the ban!

Another advantage of Embryonic Stem Cells is that they can repair damaged tissue very effectively- making them important for dangerous surgical procedures, burns and tissue transplants/regeneration.

The *ONLY* people who are against it are rabid anti-abortionists who basically have no choice but to oppose this on principle or else look totally stupid; and for the simple reason that it adds moral justification to the practice they despise and banning stem cell research is one step towards banning abortion- totally ignoring the fact that embryonic cells can also be extracted from placenta and umbilical chords.

Dear Suze,

Anything that saves lives instead of destroying
them is surely a positive.

When will we ever learn to stop destruction of
things that could be put to better use for all
of mankind?

The average person can expect to give up three
to four years of his or her life working to
foot the arms bill, while ever more people
suffer from ill health, disease, illiteracy,
and chronic hunger. US President Barack Obama
has done the right thing. We need new ways of
thinking to cope with the nuclear age - and
nerve us to build an alternative future.

As Charles Olson proclaimed, "What does not
change is the will to change." We have to believe
that there can be change, and that there are positive
alternatives is evident - we need leaders like President
Obama - who can find and take direction.