Emotions in Science?

I wasn't suggesting that all animal research should be banned, just that it's quite legitimate to have ethical concerns about animal research. And I'd agree that embryonic stem cell research and abortion are equally legitimate areas of concern.However, moral judgements, especially in these areas, tend to be a choice between two evils, rather than a choice between good and evil.If you ban animal research or embryonic stem cell research you have to accept that the consequence will be that cures for many diseases may be delayed by years or decades, if they are discovered at all. As a result, many more people may die than would otherwise be the case. When we make the judgement as a society, we try to balance the harm and benefits of one course of action against the harm and benefits of the other course.In your country, I believe, embryonic stem cell research is banned, for quite legitimate ethical reasons. In my country, on the other hand, we have decided that the possible advantages outweigh the ethical problems, and have allowed such research in certain circumstances.Abortion is a slightly different issue. If banning abortion had the effect of stopping all abortions, and there were no negative social impact from bringing into the world children who weren't actually wanted, I doubt there would be an argument. Nobody thinks that killing a foetus is a good thing in itself.But there are compelling social and moral arguments for providing some restricted legal access to abortion, including:1. Making abortion illegal doesn't stop abortions, and doesn't necessarily reduce the abortion rate;2. Where abortion is illegal, women who have abortions are more likely to suffer complications, and mortality rates rise. So, while the number of abortions may not be reduced by making abortion illegal, the number of deaths of women having abortions will certainly increase.It is considerations such as these that have led most developed countries to allow some restricted access to abortion, despite the fact that killing a foetus is obviously a bad thing.This message has been edited by JavaMan, 05-08-2006 07:17 AM

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The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible

Inkorrekt, you have maintained a near perfect record for posting nothing correct. If you continue to post off topic, however, you will be suspended.Embryonic stem cell research is verymuch alive and flourishing verywell in Massachussets and California. Private investment is very high. President Bush Vetoed this not because of any other reason, but Government cannot sponsor any CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE. However, Government is still supporting ABortion through the massive grants to Planned Parenthood.When we lay our priotrities not based on Good and Evil, we will destroy ourselves. Today, our world is still surviving and is being sustained only by the GOOD. If we did not enter the 2nd world war, we would all have been destroyed. Today, we still have a battle between good and evil around the world. Edited by AdminNosy, : No reason given.

Could you analyse my post and let me know what is it that I wrote was wrong in this forum please? Did I not write that Embryonic research is not altogether banned in the USA,but not with the public funds?

A sentence with three "nots" in it is not easy to decypher.Edited by Ringo, : Added clever subtitle.

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