Politics of Stem Cell Research

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Recommended: ethical theories and delimas regarding embryonic stem cell.

"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."

Senator John Kerry made these remarks in a 30-second television ad which aired before the 2004 presidential election. This ad was aired in "battleground" states, states in which both candidates would have needed for a victory. The stem cell research issue began to affect the presidential election August 2003 when Senator Kerry made vocal the lack of effort that President Bush is exerting in his policies. In my research I will show how politics and stem-cell research are intertwined with one another and that they do relate with politics. I will first give a brief definition of stem cell research, and then I will show both sides of the issue from the 2004 presidential election, lastly I will show how it affects politicians in personal ways.

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 "non-programmed" 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 c...

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...hard to argue that it is not going to play a role in the 2008 presidential election.

Works Cited:

Shreeve, Jamie. "The Other Stem-Cell Debate" The New York Times Magazine 10 April 2005

"Fact Sheet: Embryonic Stem Cell Research." The White House: President George W. Bush 9 Aug. 2001.

Fiona, Hutton, and Roger Salazar. "Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorses; Prop 71." Yes on 71: The California Stem Cell Research Cures Initiative. 18 Oct. 2004

Green, Ronald M. The Human Embryo Research Debates: Bioethics in the Vortex Controversy. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc. 2001.

Long, Ray and Christi Parsons. "Stem-Cell Bill Turned Down." Chicago Tribune 16 Nov. 2004. 17 Nov. 2004

Sobel, Rachel K. "Miracle Cells? Maybe." U.S. News World Report 4 Sept. 2000

Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. "Transition in Washington: Research and Morality." New York Times 20 Jan. 2001: A17.

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