[nfb-talk] Stem Cell Research Could Cure Blindness

[David Andrews]

There was a story on the news today that said that some scientists 
have gotten mice skin cells to turn into stem cells, so you may be 
off your ethical dilemma.

Dave

At 09:24 AM 6/6/2007, you wrote:
>Yes, indeed it did say "embryonic stem cells" rather than just stem cells.
>But it also says that the recipient would need anti-rejection drugs, which
>implies that no cloning is used.  Why not use umbilical stem cells and avoid
>the moral debate?
>Indeed I would be a good candidate for this procedure myself, but the
>embryonic stem cell question also complicates things.  I personally am in a
>quandry about the use of embryonic cells -- a little clump of cells is far
>from even a fetus and the benefits can be so great to using the stem cells,
>but I fear this would lead to other much more controversial practices, such
>as growing fetuses to harvest organs and the like.
>Obviously I'm pro life, but not to the extreme.
>Just branching into the off topic arena...sorry.
>Thanks for the article. I have forwarded it.
>--le
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Alicia Richards" <alicia716 at msn.com>
>To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 10:06 AM
>Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] Stem Cell Research Could Cure Blindness
>
>
>Hmmm.  This is interesting.  Even though the procedure would not work for
>me, since I was blinded by retino blastoma as a baby, it definitely makes me
>think.
>
>Of course, like most articles about blindness in the media, there are a
>couple points that irritate me.  I can already read and use a computer as a
>totally blind person, thank the writer very much.  I do know how they mean
>it: read print instead of Braille, and use a computer without screen access
>software.  But still, the wording annoys me.
>
>Second, and I'm not meaning to start a moral debate here, but I don't think
>my own beliefs would allow me to have the procedure if I could.  The article
>briefly touched on the values of stem-cell research, and I am one who
>believes it is wrong.  I don't think I could walk around with my vision
>being a constant reminder that it cost a life in order for me to gain it.
>I'm not saying others should hold my same beliefs, or judging them if they
>don't.  I'm just voicing my own point of view.
>
>It is a curious article indeed.
>
>Alicia
>
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