BBG Communications: Government Funded Stem Cell Research

In the current age of technological advances, it is important for the world's most influential nation to be in the forefront of scientific development. Whether it is in communications or in advanced medical technology, the U.S. should be leading the way. With the United States' history full of prominent inventions such as the light bulb, the telephone, and the airplane, it is important to not fall behind in the area of science and technology. Currently, one of the next steps in the study of medicine is embryonic stem cell research.

If the government were to set up funded programs, it would put itself in a very advantageous position. Many other nations have prohibited stem cell research of any kind, thus limiting their scientific potential. If American politicians would be willing to look beyond the initial cries of protest from those who rely on mass media for their information, they would eventually reap the benefits that can be gained from the research. Media takes a notoriously capricious approach to anything scientific; choosing what it will endorse and what it will condemn, and the American people typically follow suit.

In spite of the controversy surrounding stem cells, politicians and the rest of society cannot pretend that the advantages are not there. Embryonic stem cells have the capacity to develop into different cell types in the human body, with the ability to repair damaged cells. There is then a great potential for treating different cancers and other devastating diseases. Many interest groups and medical foundations are working around the clock to find the cures for these precise ailments.

Scientists are currently devising methods of cultivating embryonic stem cells without any damage to the unborn fetus. This is why the American government needs to fund the research. If they, the government, are able to sanction the methods by which stem cells are taken, then the American people would have much less to protest. This would also help to prevent illegal cloning, another issue that Americans are concerned about. It is often said that the government cannot dictate morality, but they can take steps to encourage it. Scientists might feel less compelled to seek out questionable, less expensive methods. If scientists were to have access to the facilities and the funding required for such an endeavor as finding a cure for cancer, then some of the controversy would be alleviated.

Much more will be accomplished by monitoring research, than by halting all progress and pretending that illegal research will not continue. The American government should take steps to fund embryonic stem cell research in order to find the cures for cancer and other birth defects. This would be beneficial to all of the American people, and eventually the rest of the world. All people have America to thank for the light bulb, the airplane, and the telephone, and perhaps in the near future they will thank America for the eradication of cancer, and other debilitating or life-threatening diseases.