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October 7, 2008 8:17:21 AM CDT

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Embryonic Stem-Cell Issue Still Dogs GOP

Posted Dec 2, 07 9:02 AM CST in Arts & Living,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Last week's breakthrough in stem-cell research—the creation of cells from skin rather than embryos—is a tremendous scientific advance, writes Michael Kinsley in Time magazine. But the new science doesn't let hypocritical GOP politicians dodge the controversy over embryonic stem cells: They will still be risking human lives with inconsistent objections, he writes.

Those who cry foul over the use of human blastocysts for stem-cell research are ignoring the fact that the in-vitro fertilization clinics they often support would discard those same embryos, explains Kinsley, a Parkinson's sufferer. Even the scientists behind the latest advancement argue that embryonic stem-cell research must still continue if researchers are to develop cures for Kinsley and thousands of fellow patients.

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Michael Kinsley   (Getty Images)
In this undated photo released by Japan's Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka of Department of Stem Cell Biology Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, nerve cells are shown. (AP Photo/Shinya Yamanaka, HO)   (Associated Press)
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm. Often, when doctors perform in vitro fertilization, extra embryos are made and typically frozen for future use.   (KRT Photos)
Under a microscope, a 3-day-old, 8-cell embryo created through in vitro fertilization is held in place with a pipette while a drill makes a hole in the right wall of the embryo shell.   (KRT Photos)
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GOP  • stem cells  • stem cell research  • Parkinson's disease  • embryo  • in vitro fertilization  • morals


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