The Matrix: Preying on Fields of Ignorance

The House of Representatives is apparently passing a bill that would authorize federal spending on embryonic stem cell research.

Let’s recap, in brief.

A human embryo is created. It has the potential to turn into a stem cell. To do this would destroy the embryo, necessarily. Once the embryo is a stem cell, research can be done which may save future lives. The embryo, and the potential for life therein, are destroyed.

That apparently no one thinks this is precisely what happened in the Matrix is beyond me. Fields of people are subdued and robbed of their lives so that machines can use their bodies for energy. Doesn’t that sound a whole lot like embryonic stem cell research?

I’d suggest that no reasonable person wants America to turn into the Matrix.

The only counterargument I’ve heard is that the embryos would be discarded with or without embryonic stem cell research. That takes this discarding process for granted. Why can’t we think critically about that, also? Why should that practice continue?

It’s not as if embryos are our sole source of future stem cells. Amniotic fluid contains the same scientific potential as do embryos. And, while not as apparent in scientific promise, there are adult sources of stem cells that don’t turn us into fields of future body parts.

Ends do not justify means. A wrong can never be justified. If we value human life, this practice must end.