Daily Skiff

Stem cell research is chock full of opinionated dynamite, and adding politics to the mix creates an explosive debate.

Science has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years and President Barack Obama wishes to continue the momentum by allowing stem cell research to move forward.

In most cases, unused, previously fertilized zygotes in fertility clinics are utilized for therapeutic stem cell research. The zygotes are then allowed to continue their division until they reach the blastocyst stage and are then destroyed for the use of their undesignated cells.

The problem with disrupting the cell division and growth is that it prevents a new human life from growing.

Most people hear how stem cells, which have the ability to morph into almost any cell, are capable of saving lives, but at what cost?

Obama's approval will put into motion new embryonic stem cell lines. These changes have the two sides of the debate up in arms. But unchanging truth can be heard echoing from the past administration's voice when Bush said "we can't destroy life in order to save it."

Although that microscopic blastocyst contains nothing that gives it the appearance of a human, it does contain the ability to become one. So people get out their imaginary lines and place them and their ideas on where they think life itself begins.

Many scientists seem elated at Obama's lift. Obama recently said to the Associated Press, "Our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values," but isn't he making a choice as well?

There is always an agenda. It is interesting that he has chosen this time, at the beginning of his presidency, in the midst of a crushing recession to put this issue above other necessary orders of business.

The public should be questioning Obama's motives. I fail to see how approving the death of thousands of potential infants is a victory.

Liz Rector is a freshman graphic design major from Katy.

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