By Darren Mcvey
Embryonic stem cell research is an issue that tests the fortitude of American morality and questions the commitment of society to scientific progress. America must maintain an environment where science and medicine can flourish. We must, however, be careful not to submit to utilitarian practices, like harvesting human embryos for research. We are faced with the task of balancing technological progress and moral responsibility. In light of the precarious position that embryonic stem cell research puts our leaders in, President Bush’s position that embryonic stem cell research should not be outlawed, but should not be funded by tax dollars, is the perfect compromise. One can debate the morality of embryonic stem cell research, but any intellectually honest person would not debate the difficult nature of the issue. Consistent with his philosophy that life begins and should be protected at conception, President Bush has made it clear that he believes that the creation of embryos for embryonic stem cell research is wrong. The President, however, stopped short of calling for the outlawing of embryonic stem cell research and made the only decision that could be expected from a good neoconservative, he cut funding. This decision leaves the legality of the research intact, while emphasizing the administration’s stance that embryonic stem cell research is wrong. Some critics call this position hypocritical, but it should more aptly be labeled flexible. Despite the image of President Bush as a “… take names later” decision-maker, his administration shows exemplary open-mindedness on embryonic stem cell research. Unlike abortion, where there is a slight middle ground between life beginning at conception or birth, the debate on embryonic stem cell research is blurred by the fact that some fertilized embryos will be disposed of regardless of the research and most embryos used for research were created in ethical ways. President Bush leans on his free market instincts with his decision. He has decided to leave embryonic stem cell research up to private industry and state governments. His decision keeps America from crossing into Brave New World territory without halting the research. I hesitate in employing the slippery slope argument here because of its gross overuse in current political rhetoric, but the nature of medical technology, being that each advance provides the opportunity for another step forward, affords the use of the slippery slope argument. It is the nature of science and medicine to toe the line between ethics and progress, but it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that science does not cross that line. This balance of power is absolutely crucial to society. It appears that President Bush is aware of the importance of this balance and is fully prepared to sustain it.
