this is a controversial subject and we are sensitive to the many views and beliefs that influence how one may feel on it

however we must request that all post here respectfully and be sensitive to the fact that others may have an opinion that differs from your own

please be very mindful of this when posting and read your reply before hitting submit....please avoid condemnation or flaming.

if the debate is to be allowed to continue, please post respectfully to one another

thanks

I am a fan of science.

Obiviously there's no way to post on this thread unless one is in agreement - is there ??

you already did post and were not in agreement and there was no problem with your post ( #2 on the thread) so I am not sure just what this comment of yours means

I'm happy the ban was lifted,but hate that they're saying we're still years away in knowing if this will be a cure for spinal cord injuries and diseases. I think there's some promise in our own stem cells which would be so much less controversial than embryonic stem cells.

embryonic stem cells are cells that can become viable as a fetus. But these cells can become a liver just as easily or perhaps, with medical science, to repair the spinal chord injury.

These cells number in the hundreds of thousands and are destined to be DESTROYED. They are not ever going to be kept. Many couples have volunteered to have their embryonic stem cells donated for research. They do not wish to have their cells implanted in an infertile female. It is their cells and their choice.

I believe in the sanctity of life, the betterment of all life. The gift of donating an organ upon death is very much the same thing. Sometimes parents of a teen in a terrible auto accident may choose to donate organs, a heart so that someone can live.

It is the same with embryonic stem cells. Those cells have potential for life. There, my own 2 cents!

for those interested, there are some additional perspectives on the topic on the Parkinson's board

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread80677.html

I love that we are able to at least try to discuss this.

Yes, I agree 2 wrongs dont make a right, but I cant help but believe that this embryo that was destined for the trash now has a chance to benefit mankind. These embryos are already in creation, and the choice has already been made by their parent to not keep the cell growth headed towards that of a child to be either adopted, or kept. I am not going to get into that arguement, but am holding out hope for those that were already headed for the trash can now being able to do good things, instead of just becoming a waste product. I hope that makes sense. As I have said I am pro choice, but not sure I would have the courage to do it. I think it would take a great deal of courage to make that choice.

maybe I am being selfish here, but I WANT A CURE FOR THIS PIG DOG OF A DISEASE! I want the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the heartless to grow a heart. Organ donation is a great debater. I too am an organ donor, and if God forbid something happened to my children, we have already discussed it, and are all organ donors.

My lil head is spining.

I love all animals-dogs, pigs - so to me ms is slime, crud etc...maybe some humans but not animals
I would never want an embryo to be created for science but those that would be discarded or could be used by science, I choose science.

I agree with you, Dejibo. It's good that we can discuss this controversial subject without getting ugly, and we don't need to do that. I am also pro-choice, but I don't think I could ever get an abortion. I know this is a very ethical issue, but personally, I'm glad that the ban was lifted. I also agree with Grammie--I don't want embryos being created for science either. But if they are already here, I don't have a problem with scientists using them to cure diseases. I know it could take years or decades, but the possibility of cures for MS, Parkinsons, Diabetes, and a million other diseases makes me very hopeful.