Steve Johnson of the San Jose Mercury News writes about recent advances in stem cell research, which have opened the possiblity of converting normal differentiated cells into stem cells. This is obviously a very significant development, and if it can be replicated with human cells, will simplify further research and reduce the cost of both research and stem cell based treatments.
I take issue, however, with the subtitle Mr. Johnson used for his article: “Method Would Avoid Destroying Embryos.” This statement is misleading and is obviously intended to placate the religious fundamentalists. In reality, embryonic stem cells are harvested from embryos that are already slated for destruction. None of these embryos would otherwise be implanted and carried to term.
This research may reduce the number of embryos harvested for stem cells, but it will not reduce the number of embryos destroyed.  If the religious fundamentalists are truly concerned about destruction of embryos, they need to protest the creation of those embryos, not the stem cell research. It is extremely hypocritical to take a moral stance that opposes destroying embryos for medical research but does not oppose destroying them for other reasons.
Stem cell advance
Steve Johnson of the San Jose Mercury News writes about recent advances in stem cell research, which have opened the possiblity of converting normal differentiated cells into stem cells. This is obviously a very significant development, and if it can be replicated with human cells, will simplify further research and reduce the cost of both research and stem cell based treatments.
I take issue, however, with the subtitle Mr. Johnson used for his article: “Method Would Avoid Destroying Embryos.” This statement is misleading and is obviously intended to placate the religious fundamentalists. In reality, embryonic stem cells are harvested from embryos that are already slated for destruction. None of these embryos would otherwise be implanted and carried to term.
This research may reduce the number of embryos harvested for stem cells, but it will not reduce the number of embryos destroyed.  If the religious fundamentalists are truly concerned about destruction of embryos, they need to protest the creation of those embryos, not the stem cell research. It is extremely hypocritical to take a moral stance that opposes destroying embryos for medical research but does not oppose destroying them for other reasons.