To: JDN who wrote (124031 ) 1/28/2001 12:49:44 PM From: ecommerceman Read Replies (1) | Respond to JDN--well, we sort of agree, at least to the extent that we both believe that fetal tissue shouldn't be discarded. Where we disagree is whether the government should fund fetal tissue research in order to alleviate dread diseases (Alzheimers, Parkinsons) and conditions (spinal cord paralysis). I certainly agree that the government shouldn't ENCOURAGE abortions, but then again, it never has. The sad truth is that abortions are going to happen in large numbers no matter what we do about it (unless we make them illegal again, and then they'll be done in back alleys in unsafe conditions), and the real choice we have is not only whether to use the fetal tissue or not, but also whether the government will fund research using it--as the truth is that private industry isn't going to do it on their own (if they were, I'd agree with you). The government should fund this research because these diseases and conditions are so awful, because the fetal tissue will be thrown away otherwise, and because the research won't get done without government funds--causing tens of thousands of people to suffer and die prematurely. That, to me, is a "pro-life" position.... Dear ecommerceman: Well, if what you say is true then the discussion is does the end justify the means? One could say the same for Human Cloning (to arrive at a healthier etc etc human), closing off of all Government owned land to humans (to allow animals a better, quieter environment in which to live) and I could go on and on. The bottom line is that there are MANY things that would be Good, but those things require some type of sacrifice to attain them, whether it be morals, comfort, finances, etc. In those cases a National debate occurrs and under our Democratic System a solution evolves acceptable to the majority. I suspect that such may occur in this case. As to abortion and fetuses, My personal opinion is that this is a matter that ought to be up to ones own conscious and faith and not a matter for the Government to be involved in one way or the other, HOWEVER, I also feel that the government is not required not should encourage such behavior and if any Govt. monies are spent they ought to be spent in helping to alleviate the need for abortions through many ways which I wont go into here due to length but I am sure we can all think of things that could and can be done that would reduce the staggering number of abortions done each year as some people IMHO consider it merely a birth control measure which I find repugnant. Now, having said all that and then we end up with an aborted Fetus it does seem a waste to not derive some good for humanity BUT AGAIN this is NOT something the Govt. IMHO should encourage or sponsor. JDN
