by Lauren Schwartz

Created on: February 05, 2009

In discussing the "liberal" position on stem cell research, it's first important to understand the term liberal. Liberal, by definition, refers to political values of reform or progress. Stem Cell research has been a controversy, especially amongst conservative republicans. The main argument is the use of embryonic stem cells in scientific research. Much like the arguments of pro-life advocates, the feeling is that stem cell research utilizes unborn humans and that all life is viable and not to be used for means that may prevent life. In that regard, the liberal position on stem cell research is that an embryonic cell has the potential to give full, satisfying life to millions because they may unlock the cure to degenerative disease such as diabetes and Parkinson's. However, as of recently, stem cell research has gone beyond the use of embryos and the argument for such research involves no use of unborn human life.

Stem cell research funding was outlawed during Bush's first term in office. This left scientists very little to work with, and as a result, the ability to uncover stem cell use that does not involve embryos. On of the more recent findings is that of plasma cells, taken from the patient, in re-building important muscular tissue that has been damaged due to injury or disease. Other recent research has found links to curing diabetes, Parkinson's, and other degenerative disorders. Late last year, scientists have found a way to extract stem cells from human hair, thereby eliminating invasive procedures that might be needed for medical treatment.

Since Stem Cell research has been allowed in the new administration, embryonic cells are viable for conducting such studies. Embryonic cells include those from placenta, umbilical cords and left over embryos from in-vitro conception. The cells that will be used are not aborted fetuses or murdered un-born children. They are, in fact, cells that are discarded from people who have had success with in-vitro fertilization. They also are created in the laboratory and are unrelated to any potential human life. Each stem cell that is viable for research or treatment have the potential to save thousands of lives. In comparison to the hypothetical-would-be human life that could have arisen from the cells, the ratio of human life saved to human life wasted is non-comparable. If there is no loss of human life, there is no question stem cells should be used for saving thousands. That is the liberal position on stem cell research.

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