Massachusetts Encourages Stem Cell Research

Massachusetts may be known more throughout the United States for its liberal policies than its actual progressiveness in academics. One town alone, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is home to some of the most advanced institutions and companies in the world regarding biotechnology. Despite the advantages held in the biotech industry, Massachusetts has been held back greatly by national legislation putting limitations on the capacity of how much research can be done regarding stem-cells. Fundamental moral disagreements between segments of the country should not infringe on the progression of scientific experiments that could lead to the medical benefits of millions in the long run. Many voters in Massachusetts will look to the candidates to see where they stand on stem-cell research and how much they will let groups with religious interests interfere with public policy.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that develop into distinct cells within the human body. Every bit of the human body was once a stem cell. The possibility of repairing damaged spinal issue is a one that could benefit countless numbers of people in the world. The research going into embryonic stem cells could alleviate illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Paraplegics could walk again, amputees could have a missing limb back. The possibilities are seemingly endless regarding what can be done with the human body.

There are deep divisions between the supporters and opponents of stem cell research. Those who oppose it generally believe that a stem cell is an embryo and is entitled to protection under the law, similar to how pro-life advocates believe that a fetus is a developing human being and should be treated with the same consideration under the law. There is also fear that the manipulation of stem cells is similar to playing "God" and could lead to human cloning.

The secular point of view is that the stem cells are not yet considered human life, although they are living cells. They have not taken on any particular purpose in the human body yet and therefore are just compounds of living material waiting to be given direction. Massachusetts has the capability of doing the high level, expensive research needed to bring stem cell research into the final stages of going from experimental possibility into real medical treatment.

Massachusetts, being liberal and a relatively wealthy state, should be given the full go ahead to conduct stem cell research. The candidates should display clear and proactive goals towards helping the funding and expansion of stem cell research in Massachusetts as well in the rest of the United States. The frustrations felt by more liberal "blue" states has been to much to bare for many people who have declined to vote in the past. Candidates aligning themselves with more conservative religious based groups has caused more problems in the realm of partisan politics. Religious fundamentals have no place in the field of medicine, it is time to get some work done and stem cells are the best place to start.

Resources:

http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/stemcell.html

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080102/NEWS/801020591/1008/NEWS02

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080616/tc_nm/usa_stemcells_massachusetts_dc_3

http://www.advancedcell.com/recent-news-item/state-stem-cell-funding-creates-options

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/06/millipore_award.html

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/stemcells/index.html