Personal observations.


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NewScientist.com announced yesterday a success in developing a method of obtaining stem cells without ethical problems. "Cloning Without Controversy," blasted the teaser box ad. "'Virgin birth' method promises ethical stem cells," the headline claimed.

Do they really believe they have found a method that will be embraced by those opposed to other methods? If so, they are blinded by their own rational thought. Opposition to cloning or fetal stem cell harvesting has never been about reason, but about respect for natural or supernatural processes and an unwillingness to manipulate such processes. Opponents detest the meddling in human reproduction, but science continues to make the argument more opaque.

My guess is that many will still see this "virgin birth" method as meddling and just as offensive as previous methods. Their arguments don't have to make sense. The very choice of using such a loaded term as "virgin birth" will irritate many. Some will argue that human life still begins with the beginnings of division. With this parthenogenesis method we have no point of conception as we normally think of it, but that won't stop people from arguing that a life has begun.

Even if the arguments continue, we benefit from the conversation. This is exactly how a population of diverse viewpoints must work toward a consensus or at least an acceptable compromise.


posted by Unknown at 11:41 AM