“Biologists have developed a technique for establishing colonies of human embryonic stem cells from an early human embryo without destroying it,” The New York Times reports. “This method could redirect and intensify the emotional political debate over current limits on federal financing for research on human embryonic stem cells, which give rise to the cells and tissues of the body and which scientists and patient advocate groups see as a potential source for treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes.”

In “Does the Senate Vote on Stem Cell Research Matter?” Michael Tanner, Cato’s director of health and welfare studies, argues: “[T]his is not a debate about whether embryonic stem-cell research should continue — it will. Rather, like so many other issues in Washington, it is a fight about who gets how much of the taxpayers’ money. Stem-cell researchers have become just one more special interest at the federal trough. And, as such, the coming debate is a perfect example of how science becomes politicized when government money is involved.

“If the government were to simply get out of the stem-cell research business and let the private sector continue its good work, medical science would do just fine. Those calling for increased funding could follow Dolby’s example, i.e., take out their checkbooks and support it. Those who oppose embryonic stem-cell research would not be forced to pay for it with their tax dollars. We could have an honest debate about what works and what doesn’t without all the political histrionics. The only ones who would suffer are the politicians, who would have to give up their efforts to manipulate medical progress to stoke their bases.”  >>More<<  

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