http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/03/new-stem-cell-policy-founded-on-ethics-and-expertise/ Progressive approaches to science policy Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:59:00 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/03/new-stem-cell-policy-founded-on-ethics-and-expertise/comment-page-1/#comment-4692 Juan Calabasa Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:28:44 +0000 http://www.scienceprogress.org/?p=2161#comment-4692 The new ethical guidelines listed here, which are referred to as the "highest ethical standards", are arbitrary determinations. They overstep what many Americans consider to be the line between acceptable research and the utilitarian exploitation of human embryos, yet those setting these guidelines deem them acceptable for all. Informed consent is mentioned but is only partially valid, for the consent of the life most directly affected- that of the human embryo- is never obtained. Good science does not harm or exploit human life, even in the pursuit of noble goals. That the embryo is defenseless and unable to weigh in on the issue does not lessen its humanity, inherent dignity, or right to the same protections afforded to others. The new ethical guidelines listed here, which are referred to as the “highest ethical standards”, are arbitrary determinations. They overstep what many Americans consider to be the line between acceptable research and the utilitarian exploitation of human embryos, yet those setting these guidelines deem them acceptable for all. Informed consent is mentioned but is only partially valid, for the consent of the life most directly affected- that of the human embryo- is never obtained. Good science does not harm or exploit human life, even in the pursuit of noble goals. That the embryo is defenseless and unable to weigh in on the issue does not lessen its humanity, inherent dignity, or right to the same protections afforded to others.

]]> http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/03/new-stem-cell-policy-founded-on-ethics-and-expertise/comment-page-1/#comment-4623 Tom Nichols Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:37:28 +0000 http://www.scienceprogress.org/?p=2161#comment-4623 WOW we should ALL be celebrating this monumental change of course which has the potential (already demonstrated) to save tens of millions...Today science returns to its rightful place in America WOW we should ALL be celebrating this monumental change of course which has the potential (already demonstrated) to save tens of millions…Today science returns to its rightful place in America

]]> http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/03/new-stem-cell-policy-founded-on-ethics-and-expertise/comment-page-1/#comment-4617 David Jensen Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:13:51 +0000 http://www.scienceprogress.org/?p=2161#comment-4617 Most of this ground has been covered in agonizing and public detail at the California stem cell agency, which started work on its pioneering standards in 2005. The current policies and regulations created by CIRM can be found at its web site along with transcripts of all its proceedings. Look for the Standards Working Group meetings, along with selected transcripts from the ICOC, the CIRM board of directors. Here is the url for the website: cirm.ca.gov Most of this ground has been covered in agonizing and public detail at the California stem cell agency, which started work on its pioneering standards in 2005. The current policies and regulations created by CIRM can be found at its web site along with transcripts of all its proceedings. Look for the Standards Working Group meetings, along with selected transcripts from the ICOC, the CIRM board of directors. Here is the url for the website: cirm.ca.gov

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