Does “Political” Science Exist Anymore? Embryonic Stem Cell Research in this New Political Climate

Abstract:     
Undoubtedly, countless Americans and their families are affected by life threatening diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and heart disease. Cures and or treatments to eliminate these diseases remain complex at best. However, the future holds great potential in medical advances due to a discovery within our own bodies: stem cells. While stem cell research has not yet yielded a cure for any disease, scientists think that this medical advance is unique in its ability to unlock medical mysteries and to shed light on the early development of humans and the diseases that affect us. Over 100 million people currently suffering from diseases may someday be helped or cured by this research.

While science will not and should not replace religion, the issue to ponder is the role of religion in government. Just as the decision to teach evolution over creationism in American classrooms could be regarded as a political agenda mired in religion, science in that instance prevailed. The transition from a faith-based presidency to a fact-based presidency has been abrupt, and perhaps overdue. Our nation is based on a system of checks and balances and those who strongly oppose this new era for scientific based research in an arena so important to our society will be afforded the opportunity of due process. President Obama, through Executive Order 13505 and the resultant NIH Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research has spearheaded the process for cell stem research to reach heights for the ultimate betterment of our society.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 33

Keywords: stem cells, research, health law, medical research, religion

JEL Classification: K32

Accepted Paper Series