Aditi


 * KNOWLEDGE ISSUES:** To what extent do religion and politics influence our perception on stem cells research?


 * KI AND THE TOPIC**: There is a lot of opposition from religious societies and certain political parties, wherein they believe that using embryonic - taken from an embryo - stem cells to revive or repair certain organs is like killing one life for another, it has been seen as being morally unjustifiable and unethical.

- Religious groups oppose the idea of stem cell research, as they believe it is going against the natural, by trying to re-create damaged organs. They also see it highly unethical to be using cells from the embryo, as that means destroying the embryo totally. - Scientists are hence working to develop regenerative therapies from adult stem cells harvested in mature tissue, so no embryos are required. Though this is still not as effective and so is still being developed. - Republican parties in particular have a strong notion about allowing the research of stem cells for therapeutic uses. They not only wish to prohibit all federal funding on the research, creation and use of embryonic cells, but to also propose a law which would ban all such researches. - On the other hand Democratic parties are more open to the idea of stem cells research, they argue that it is not harmful if they open up federal funding for research and use of embryonic stem cells if they are derived from leftover embryos destined for destruction at fertility clinics etc.
 * PERSPECTIVES:**

- "Our republican platform will continue to oppose embryonic stem cell research. It is unethical and our religious beliefs not to comply." - "The medical possibilities which might result from stem cell research continues to excite our scientific community. There are some indications that progress is being made in developing alternatives to the use of embryos in pursuing this technology. If this happens, most political/ethical concerns regarding this matter will be resolved." - "In the past 10 years, we realized that the body's stem cells possess the ability to regenerate damaged tissue, we've applied this technology to patients with heart damage. It's like giving them life again" - "With stem cells we are able to cure heart diseases, diabetes and even mend bones now, if we are able to do this without violating ethical codes, it is surely a success."
 * SUPPORTING QUOTES:**


 * BIBLIOGRAPHY:**

Svoboda, Elizabeth, and Patrick Perry. "The other stem cells: adult stem cells may represent the future of regenerative medicine--minus the controversy." Saturday Evening Post Jan.-Feb. 2010: 54+. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

"Spotlight: top 10 stories of 2009." Christianity Today Jan. 2010: 9. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

Baldauf, Sarah. "Could a Dose of Stem Cells Heal a Failing Heart?" U.S. News & World Report 1 Dec. 2009: 59. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

Latham, Stephen R. "Between public opinion and public policy: human embryonic stem-cell research and path-dependency." Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 37.4 (2009): 800+. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. . code Bohlin, Dr. Ray. "The Controversy Over Stem Cell Research." //Leadership U//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. . code