Eliminating Ethics Through Euphemisms

2. Eliminating Ethics Through Euphemisms

3. Objectives • To obtain a basic understanding of embryonic stem cells • To show where the research has come from historically • Pros/Cons of ESC research • To brief the pivotal ethical issues • Investigate ESC research as a “Gateway” procedure…? Prerequisite to “genetic manipulation” of the Gattaca dystopian model and/or Nazi Germany arrogance? • Euphemisms vs. Ethics • Overall, to inform, so as to not repeat/create historical atrocities

4. So what are embryonic stem cells? • Harvested from embryo blastocysts or can be cloned (“Nuclear Cell Transplant”) • Non-differentiated cells (“blank slate”) • Easily manipulated into different types of cells • Multiply easily and exponentially • May hold the “key” to unlocking the cures for various diseases and disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, nerve damage, etc.)

5. Sounds great, why the fuss? • To harvest the blastocyst, the embryo is destroyed • Sanctity of Life vs. Utilitarian views • Embryos are grown to be destroyed for research • Linked with abortion on, at least, two levels: • Ends potential life of a person • Encourages abortions because of the “good” that can come from the aborted embryos • People like a good fuss

6. History of the research: • 1878, the first attempts to fertilize mammalian eggs out side the body • 1959, the first reported in vitro fertilization • Throughout the 60s, various studies on mice showed that teratocarcinomas in the testes originated from embryonic germ cells and established embryonic carcinoma cells (EC) as a type of stem cell • 1968, Edwards and Bavister fertilized the first human egg in vitro

7. History of the research (cont’d): • 1978, first in vitro fertilization human birth of Louise Brown, in England • 1981, first in vitro fertilization human birth in the United States • Throughout the early nineties, various studies of embryonic stem cells yielded promising results with scientists being able to isolate and work with ES cells in more specific manners

8. History of the research (cont’d): • 21st century, scientists had begun their work on differentiation of the cells in vitro. Their aims began to focus on using the ES cell properties to grow human organs for transplantation purposes, including pancreatic islet cells, neurons that release dopamine, and cardiac muscle cells • Tomorrow, who knows?

9. Pros Benefit medical advances and possibly open doors to amazing new medical procedures Increase the general welfare of the nation, in terms of health Better/Faster drug-testing would lead to more and more diseases becoming eliminated Cons Potential lives are eliminated with the destruction of the embryos Possible psychological side-effects (both ends of the spectrum) Nazi-era arrogance? Is ESC research a “gateway” to other “medical advancement” procedures? Pros/Cons

10. Euphemisms Speech Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, I come to speak to you about a growing fear inside me concerning embryonic stem cell research. While I view the research, itself, as being ethically wrong, I also see a larger problem brewing in our society with regard to the research.

11. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) The ever-growing darkness in the back of my mind is not with regard to the research itself – to those advances that I fear are too easily accepted without question – but rather in accordance with the mindset that I see with regard to that research. We, as the people of this nation – affected by this research on many personal levels – ought to be informed properly of its degree.

12. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) What I am referring to, ladies and gentlemen, is the path of euphemisms that many staunch supporters of the research are attempting to lead us down. They use words like “Nuclear Cell Transplant” as easily as the Nazis used “medical” and “mercy killing” to justify the slaughter of millions. We are blindfolded on the verge of a slippery slope, my friends.

13. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) The problem is, that many of us have gotten used to the darkness of that blindfold. We no longer “need” the light to make intelligent decisions about where our society should go. The cliff is ahead, my friends, and we – strutting like blinded, arrogant, fools – are only sealing our fate by leaping into advancements without examining them closely, first.

14. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) For myself, the moral cost of the research negates any of the benefits that may derive from it. Is there a space for compromise? Yes. Adult cell research is the only ethical avenue I believe should be explored. But even that path should be taken with caution. The scientists involved with the research are regarding this as a sort of “Holy Grail” of the medical field. The ultimate in fix-alls.

15. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) “No one denies the moral dilemma of the stem cell debate. But to turn back now, researchers say, would be tantamount to turning our backs on a bright, sustaining light because we are terrified of the shadows it creates.” Researchers may be right, but for now, the issue is whether or not those terrifying shadows are terrifying for a reason. Could a genetic discrimination be hiding in one of them? Or is perhaps a “superior race” ideal in the works within the shadowy cover?

16. Euphemisms Speech (cont’d) Ladies and gentleman, I ask this of you. Become informed of the issues at hand. Do not blindly advance into a dark with no light to guide and direct you. Contact your representatives and ensure that they are informed as well, lest they fall under the same darkness as previous ruling governments. As the maxim goes, “Those who do not know history are bound to repeat it…” Look for signs of repetition. Thank you for your time.

17. Thank you for your attention.