The War on Stem Cell Research

The War On Stem Cell Research

"It's time to lift the political barriers blocking the stem cell research that could treat or cure diseases like Parkinson's. I believe that science can bring hope to our families. I want America to lead the world in the medical breakthroughs of the future. There's no time to wait. At stake are millions of lives. I'm John Kerry and I approved this message because America can do better. It's time to take America in a new direction" (Kerry 1).

These words were spoken by Senator John Kerry in a 30-second television ad which aired exactly 3 weeks ago (Kerry 1). This ad was aired in "battleground" states, states in which the winner is a conundrum. The stem cell research issue began to affect the presidential election last August when Senator Kerry made vocal the lack of effort that President Bush is exerting in his policies.

A colony of embryonic stem cells, from the H9 cell...

English: Embryonic Stem Cells. (A) shows hESCs. (B...

Sen. Tom Harkin speaks at a rally held by the Coal...

But is there truth in what Kerry states? Indeed there is. Senator John Kerry's emphasis on healthcare concerning the expansion of stem cell research for diseased stricken Americans is imperative to the eradication of crippling pandemics in the United States today.

Before the stem cell research issue concerning President Bush and Senator Kerry should be addressed, an overview of stem cell research in general is imperative to gaining a better understanding on the candidates' position. First of all, stem cells are called "unprogramed" cells in that they can differentiate into specific cells to certain areas of the body. They are derived from fertilized embryos or unfertilized eggs. These cells can replace damaged cells as well as malignant cells anywhere in the body by forming solid and healthy tissue walls. Thus, stem cells offer hope to people afflicted with fatal and incurable diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and...