Biotechnology, Embryonic Stem Cell Research ‘Here To Stay’ As Political Issues, Opinion Piece Says

Biotechnology issues such as human embryonic stem cell research, which figured prominently in Missouri and elsewhere in the midterm elections, are “new kind[s]” of political issues that are not “going away,” William Saletan, science and technology reporter for Slate magazine, writes in a Washington Post opinion piece. “If you block [embryonic stem cell research], you’re closing off what might be the quickest path to saving many lives,” Saletan writes, adding, “If you promote the research, along with the embryonic cloning that makes it therapeutically useful, you’re messing with life’s foundations” (Saletan, Washington Post, 11/12). In Missouri, voters approved a measure that amends the state constitution to ensure that stem cell research permitted under federal law is protected in the state and prohibits human cloning. About 51% of state voters supported the measure (Kaiser Daily Women’s Health Policy Report, 11/8). The measure helped state Auditor Claire McCaskill (D) win a U.S. Senate race against incumbent Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.), Saletan writes, adding, “But biotech politics didn’t start in Missouri, and it won’t end there.” Democrats have named embryonic stem cell research one of their top priorities for the 110th Congress, and Republicans are “scrambling for alternatives … that tamper more ambitiously with the human recipe,” Saletan writes. Advocates supporting and opposing embryonic stem cell research are attempting “to simplify the oncoming technologies” related to the research, with the “right … equating [embryonic stem cell research] with abortion” and the “left treat[ing the] research like health care,” according to Saletan. “Biotechnology is here to stay, even if humanity, as we know it, isn’t,” Saletan concludes (Washington Post, 11/12).

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