Siding With Stem Cells

Stem Cell research has been a huge struggle for the biotech industry ever since the technology was discovered. Republicans have strong feelings about the treatment of embryos. One could simply assume that since republicans are pro-life (against abortion), they are also against the use of embryos for stem cell research. I side with the democrats on this issue because I see stem cell research as an opportunity to save lives. Some also argue that the tiny blastocysts that are being used have no human features. Republicans make their rebuttal claiming that anything that has the potential to have a life should be considered an individual with the same rights as us all. One of the toughest aspects of this debate is that it is hard to tell where the line is drawn between life and nonexistence. This matter doesn't seem to be addressed in the constitution. In an article discussing the pros and cons of stem cell research, it is stated that:

"Advocates of embryonic stem cell research claim new human lives will not be created for the sole purpose of experimentation."

Besides tampering with potential human life, opposers are concerned for the animals being tested on.

"Others argue against such research on medical grounds. Mice treated for Parkinson's with embryonic stem cells have died from brain tumors in as much as 20% of cases."

I understand that it is unfair to the animals, but we must accept that this is a part of scientific research. In order to make any advancements scientists have to take risks and make sacrifices.
Depending on which party has the majority, scientists have either been denied money for research or have been given more. This article explains that:

"In the summer of 2006 President Bush stood his ground on the issue of stem cell research and vetoed a bill passed by the Senate that would have expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Currently, American federal funding can only go to research on stem cells from existing (already destroyed) embryos."

This article explains that after Obama was elected, his democratic qualities caused him to do the exact opposite.

"President Barack Obama said Monday he is allowing federal taxpayer dollars to fund significantly broader research on embryonic stem cells because "medical miracles do not happen simply by accident," and promised his administration would make up for the ground lost under his predecessor."

I think that stem cell research is a key area of science that deserves an adequate amount of federal funding.