November 11, 2006
Yes, once more we find that adult stem cells have great therapeutic potential, this time with Type 2 diabetes. But, we must not let such stories distract us from the orders laid down by our great science lords: Must…give…embryonic…researchers…blank…funding…check. Must…give…embryonic…researchers…blank…funding…check. … Read More
November 11, 2006
Now, The Economist has editorialized that it is “brave” for UK doctors to want to open the door to infanticide for disabled babies. Why kill disabled babies, according to the magazine’s editorial writers? Take the case of Charlotte Wyatt, born … Read More
November 10, 2006
For those yearning for or worried about the emerging Brave New World, the Center for Genetics and Society, a left-leaning think tank that grapples with the ethical issues involving biotechnology, has a new blog. Check it out.
November 10, 2006
Belgium fits the typical pattern: Once euthanasia is legalized, the law tells the society it is not only legal, but right, and “use” increases. There are now 37 reported cases each month. And of course, all cases are not reported. … Read More
November 10, 2006
My podcast, Brave New Bioethics, launches next week. I will link them here as they are released. But if you would like to subscribe and receive them via cyberspace as they come out, please do so by hitting this link … Read More
November 10, 2006
John Derbyshire has responded in The Corner to my First Things blog entry chastizing him for rejecting human exceptionalism along with his faith. He has every right to do so, of course. But he doesn’t have the right to mischaracterize … Read More
November 10, 2006
This is the second story I have seen in the last two weeks along these lines. Apparently, the political-scientists’ intentional blurring of “stem cell research” with “embryonic stem cell research,” is chilling the way forward in areas that are not … Read More
November 10, 2006
I received an e-mail from a reader, gently chastising me for assuming that the amendment would not permit reproductive cloning. Her actual fear is that A. 2 would permit fetal farming, as the New Jersey law does. As we shall … Read More
November 9, 2006
Doctors are preparing to implant a uterus into a woman in the hope that she can have children. But is this ethical and wise? Usually, organs are transplanted to save lives, which is worth the risk of dying in surgery … Read More
November 9, 2006
Is it possible that voters in Missouri will be given the opportunity to repeal Amendment 2? Perhaps so. Opponents of human cloning, now a Missouri state constitutional right, are apparently contemplating another vote to seek to repeal Amendment 2. I … Read More
November 9, 2006
The Tampa Tribune continues to lash out at the family of Terri Schiavo, accusing the Schindlers in this editorial of engaging in “vitriol” and acting in a “caustic” manner for having had the temerity to try and save her life. … Read More
November 9, 2006
The Washington Post reporter, Robert Weiss, tries mightily to turn this story, about cells from infant mice being implanted into other mice and partially restoring sight, as an embryonic stem cell-boosting report. He even quotes the discredited Robert Lanza of … Read More
November 9, 2006
This story on Fox News, about the discussions at a stem cell conference is interesting–and typically, mostly inaccurate. First, the Japanese scientist who reverted skin cells to embryonic stem cells–a perfectly ethical procedure–also reported that they cause tumors in mice, … Read More
November 8, 2006
The MO election is over, the cloners have won, and yet the in-the-tank Missouri media continues its boosterism and shilling. This giddy little story, from the St. Louis Post Dispatch, byline Rachel Melcer, is pure hype. It’s Boom Time, folks! … Read More
November 8, 2006
Spending $30 million and still barely eking out a victory that was founded in pure deception; if the Amendment 2 forces thought opponents would just go away, they were mistaken. The political struggle continues to maintain ethics and morality in … Read More
November 8, 2006
I wish I had been able to attend this lecture at Princeton, presented by Leon Kass. I only have read the brief story about the talk in the Princtonian, which I linked above, but even that brief synopsis reveals the … Read More
November 8, 2006
Derek Humphry is the co-founder with his late former wife Ann Wickett, of the Hemlock Society. Humphry is a suicide ideologue, author of the how-to-commit-suicide guide Final Exit, who is utterly indifferent that his book has been found next to … Read More
November 8, 2006
The election last night was not primarily about the issues dealt with here at bioethics.com. But there will be an impact. Only time will tell what they are, but here are a few of my initial thoughts. 1. Human Cloning, … Read More
November 8, 2006
It was close, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, as they say. At this point, late, it looks as if Amendment 2 will pass by about 20,000 votes. It’s hard to fight against $30 million. But the … Read More
November 7, 2006
I love this story in the New York Times that traces the fate of children born from Nazi Germany’s Lebensborn program, intended to breed a Master Race, and reports where they are today. Here’s a brief background: Back when the … Read More
November 6, 2006
First UK scientists wanted to create human/rabbit cloned embryos. Now, UK scientists are applying to create mostly human/tiny bit cow cloned embryos, revealing vividly the current anything goes mindset that permeates the science/biotech sector. Rather than allowing society to work … Read More
November 6, 2006
So, I am watching CNN and it runs a segment on Missouri’s Amendment 2 and embryonic stem cell research. Then CNN’s big political analyst comes on to say confidently that based on his discussions with people, second only to Iraq, … Read More
November 5, 2006
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology is calling for society to permit eugenic infanticide. The problem, according to these “ethicists” is that some very disabled babies survive. We can’t have that. “A very disabled child can mean a disabled family,” … Read More
November 4, 2006
Robert Novak, the syndicated columnist, is also one of the best political reporters around. He is conservative, but calls them as he sees them. (For example, he predicts that the Republicans will lose their majority in the House of Representatives.) … Read More
November 3, 2006
This is growing wearisome;condemning those who may disagree with the science elite about certain policies as “anti-science.” Now, Prime Minister Tony Blair is doing it. Disagree with his view on GM foods: Anti-science! I have nothing against GM foods in … Read More
