by Greg on Thu Aug 02, 2001 6:49 am
OK.... I'm prepared to give this one a go.<P>As I see it, the major issue is how the stem cells are "harvested", for want of a better word.<P>The basic argument against harvesting stem cells seems to be revolving around it "destroying life".<P>However, humans have been doing this for years, in the name of survival. Every time we pick an apple, or dig up a potato or carrot, or harvest wheat to make flour, these things destroy a life form.<P>However, most of us can happily nibble on a mung bean with our karma emerging from the experience undamaged.<P>What makes a human embryo any different? Perhaps, because it has the potential to develop in to a sentient entity. Because it has a soul?<P>Personally, I beleive that until a brain stem forms, an embryo does not have any sentience or self-awareness. It follows that this thing, whilst it is alive, would not have a soul. It is not even capable of independant survival at this stage.<P>Conceptually speaking, an embryo is a discrete life form, which is dependant upon it's host and whilst it is alive, is not capable of thought or communication. Merely consuming enegy and performing cell division.<P>From that perspective, it's not much different from a germ or virus, but we don't accuse people who take penicillin of being mass-murderers.<P>Really, most people aren't against killing life forms, merely intelligent life. And unless you're vegetarian, even intelligent life isn't that big a deal. <P>So the question is, how can you have a soul without a functioning brain. My opinion is that you can't. To have a soul, an entity must have intelligence and self awareness. Until higher brain functions have developed, these are not present therefore no soul is present.<P>Just my $0.022 (inc. GST) worth.<P>Regards,
Sir Greg<P>------------------
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Sir Gregory of Melbourne, KI
Knight of the <A HREF="http://www.ivbalis.org" TARGET=_blank>Order of Jubal</A>
"What I tell you three times is true..." - The Bellman