New Frontiers for Research

In the article "Obama Reversing Stem Cell Limits Bush Imposed", authors David Stout and Gardiner Harris discuss President Obama's decision to reverse the Bush administration's limits on federal financing embryonic stem cell research as part of his plan to separate science and politics. As a candidate for the Presidency, Obama was a supporter of stem cell research, so this announcement is not really that big of a surprise. The topic itself, however, is one surrounded by controversy and strong opinions from both sides of the issue. This move is part of Obama's plan to return to "sound science" and the separation of science and politics.

The proponents of stem cell research are expected to try to push the process through so that they can apply for the grant money before September 2010, the date in which the health institutes must commit the last of the $10.4 billion given to the N.I.H. as part of the economic stimulus program. They claim that "embryonic stem cells are capable of developing into any type of cell in the body, many scientists believe that they may one day be able to provide tissues to replace worn-out organs or non functioning cells and, thus, offer powerful new treatments for diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and other ailments". Treatments for severe injury, like spinal cord damage, could also result from this research.

Opponents argue that since the cells come from human embryos, they are essentially human beings and the harvest and experimentation on them is tantamount to murder. This is often a deeply personal issue for most who oppose the experimentation. They also argue that other cells, such as those found in amniotic fluid or placental tissue could also work for this research. No matter what is decided, the passion and debate about this issue will not stop any time soon.

The separation of science and politics is the big issue here. There is a moral argument here, and while the government should always consider the moral implications of their actions, I feel it is important to also realize that the correct moral decision is not always going to make the most people happy. This is similar to the separation of church and state. The argument that embryonic cells are human beings is more a religious argument than a scientific one. The debate of the existence of a "soul" in a cell is not, in my opinion, a valid scientific argument. I feel that this decision to separate politics will set a tone for this presidency that will have a positive effect on this administration.

As a person who suffers from a currently incurable neurological disease, stem cell research holds particular interest for me. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in September of last year, and the possibility that stem cell research could possibly mean that doctors could someday repair damaged organs or tissue is of particular interest to me. I feel that the petty argument that some have about harvesting stem cells from embryos that are going to be discarded is insignificant in light of the possibilities that this research holds for people who stand to gain so much. I personally feel that this is a defining moment of President Obama's legacy, and it makes me eager to see what else lies in store for the country under his guidance.