Stem Cell Debate Primer
Salon posted an immensely informative article on the stem cell debate today. Writing in a question and answer format, Farhad Manjoo manages to cover the entire spectrum of issues surrounding stem cells in his piece: what an embryo is, the relationship of embryos to in vitro fertilization, an explanation of cell line quality, the argument for more open (federally funded) cell lines, Bush’s inconsistent stance on the matter, the pro-life argument, inherent bioethical dilemmas with embryos, and more. If you need a primer, or simply a refresher, to navigate the muddied waters of the stem cell debate, I highly recommend this article and its links to primary documents. Regardless of how closely you may be following the debate or how good your biological knowledge is, it should prove informative. I also recommend it for its hilarious, yet spot-on, critique of Bush kissing babies to garner support for his position on stem cells.