Stem Cell Research

[Raider1284]

This is for a school project I am writing on. I'm trying to get a consensus on what the general population thinks about stem cell research. If you are unaware of what this is, please check out wiki page on stem cell research.

Please answer the poll and also make a post on what your choice was, and why you chose it; specifically if you choose the "somewhat for it" option. I also think it would be interesting to know what religion you identify with, and perhaps what country your currently living in.

I'm trying to discover, through your responses any trends that develop on how people vote.

I will answer any questions if you ask.

Thanks ahead of time for the responses, they will really help me out!

 

[TBone48]

Are you differentiating between fetal and adult cells? It will probably make a difference in your poll results.

 

[Raider1284]

good point, I'll add those two options.

 

[crab]

"Somewhat for it, if certain restrictions are set"

I'd say only if the cells were already due to be discarded.

I live in the US, and have a spinal cord injury.

 

[sonoma1993]

i'm totally for fetal and adult stem cell research. If a cure can be made from the stems cells to cure things such as diabetes, paralysis, and the many other possibilities that can come from stem cell research. We should do it.

 

[SlitheryDee]

"Somewhat for it..."

Other than thinking that we shouldn't be for ANYTHING "no questions asked", placing no restrictions on stem cell research opens to door for experimenting on viable fetuses that otherwise could have been carried to term. I don't like that idea.

As for my religious beliefs; I think I would be considered agnostic by most folks.

 

[Raider1284]

thanks for the help so far guys... bump

 

[TheChort]

whatever the results of the poll may be, you should keep in mind that the average ATOTer is younger, more educated, and more liberal than the average american

 

[iamaelephant]

Absolutely for it. It's about time religion stopped playing a part in things of such important nature.

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: Raider1284
This is for a school project I am writing on. I'm trying to get a consensus on what the general population thinks about stem cell research.

ATOT != general population. If you use this poll for your school project, at best, it'd qualify as a pseudo-poll.

That aside, I'm totally in favor of stem cell research.

 

[theblackbox]

i think it's great. if they can fix my wifes diabetes, hurrah.

 

[BigJelly]

Completely for adult stem cell research, but completely against embryonic stem cell research. Not for religious reasons but for research/cure reasons.

Fetal stem cells is a waste of good scientists' research, while adult stem cells will find the cures.

The problem is the people that push/oppose embryonic do if for political reasons and not for scientific reasons. Embryonic stem cell research became part of pro-life/abortion politics.

 

[imported_quasi]

Originally posted by: BigJelly
Fetal stem cells is a waste of good scientists' research, while adult stem cells will find the cures.

How is embryonic stem cell research a waste compared to adult stem cell research? Embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a wider variety of cells than adult stem cells, and have a greater potential to treat disease.

 

[slsmnaz]

Your poll completely ignores how it is funded (private/public). That makes a big difference to many in the argument.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Originally posted by: TheChort
whatever the results of the poll may be, you should keep in mind that the average ATOTer is younger, more educated, and more liberal than the average american

More educated? One need only browse ATOT and P&N to dispel that myth.

 

[Raider1284]

Originally posted by: RockSolid

Originally posted by: BigJelly
Fetal stem cells is a waste of good scientists' research, while adult stem cells will find the cures.

How is embryonic stem cell research a waste compared to adult stem cell research? Embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a wider variety of cells than adult stem cells, and have a greater potential to treat disease.

Thought I would add to Rock Solid's comment. Many adult stem cells are specialized to only produce one type of cell, be it blood, liver, etc. While this would be still be incredibly helpful for somone that needs that type of cell the possibilites with adult stem cells are reduced. You cannot take blood stem cells and tell them to produce brain cells, they simply lack the genetic makeup to do so.

As opposed to embryonic stem cells which can literally become any cell in the body.

You guys make a good point that this defineately will not be a population of the general public, but a poll of knowledgeable people from around the world is still way better then a lame local one done the old fashion way of asking people as they pass by.

Thanks again for the help so far guys, keep it up!

 

[Raider1284]

hoping to get a few more replies/opinions...bump

 

[irishScott]

"Somewhat for it"

I personally think it should only be done on embryos who are going to be thrown in the trash anyways, and of course, adults.

Also, if a rape victim wants an abortion, at least she can donate it to science.

I find the religious argument stupid. Isn't sacrificing one's life (assuming the fetus HAS life beyond that of a vegetable) to save another honorable enough for you people? I'm sick of all of this "god's will" sh!t. God gave us brains too, and seeing as how a good number of embryos are going to be THROWN IN THE TRASH ANYWAYS, without so much as a baptism or burial, why not use them to save lives?

But no ZOMG a life is a life! Then hire the embryo a lawyer. We'll discuss whether it should be thrown the trash or used to save a person's life in court.

 

[Raider1284]

another bump, for educations sake. Surprised no one has been against it yet... Coincidence? or can i say all browsers of tech forums are more or less for stem cell research?