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Dear Congressman Kirk:
I was always taught that we should utilize the freedoms of our
country. One of the great freedoms that we enjoy in America is freedom of
speech. Even though I am but one voice among the masses, I feel that I
should share my opinion.
After learning about genetic technology in my biology class, I
soon realized the potential of therapeutic cloning. According to my
research, therapeutic cloning is the production of human embryos to
harvest stem cells which can then be used to study human development and
treat diseases. These stem cells are harvested by taking the genetic
material from an adult’s body and fusing it into an empty egg cell. This
cell is then allowed to grow until the stem cells are removed from the egg
or blastocyst and implanted into human tissue to grow into a specific body
part. I know that you are in favor of stem cell research, and based on
my own research I am in favor of therapeutic cloning.
There are many valid counterpoints to therapeutic cloning.
Some individuals like right-wing Christians, orthodox Jews, and other
conservatives oppose therapeutic cloning because they claim that it is
unethical. President Bush himself has stated "I am a strong supporter of
stem cell research, but I've made it very clear to Congress that the use
of federal taxpayer money to promote science that destroys life in order
to save life, I am against this." In reality therapeutic cloning should
not be a matter of ethics at all. Even though the definition of a human
life has never really been set at one specific point, in my opinion the
stem cell in question is still not a human life. According to my
research, the stem cells would be implanted before they develop a nervous
system and a sense of self. Many scientists believe that an embryo is not
alive until it has developed a nervous system. Another argument against
therapeutic cloning is the fact that the genetic material used in
therapeutic cloning may contain DNA abnormalities that are caused by daily
living. These abnormalities may be due to exposure to sunlight, toxins,
or they may just be errors caused by DNA replication. There are however
always flaws in new scientific breakthroughs. We might also be able to
avoid this problem by choosing DNA that is not prone to these
abnormalities, thus solving the problem.
Although there may be claims against it, ultimately I think
that the United States should support therapeutic cloning. Because stem
cells are so versatile and are able to develop into almost any cell in the
human body, they can cure many fatal diseases and conditions. These
include lupus, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease,
spinal chord injuries, and even baldness. I personally think it is
remarkable that by harvesting a few stem cells we may have the potential
to save so many lives. Through more experimentation scientists eventually
hope to create new organs through therapeutic cloning. This would also
limit the need for organ donors by acting as an unlimited supply of
healthy organs. According to the National Center for Health Statistics,
every year about 550, 000 Americans die of cancer alone. Through
therapeutic cloning, we may have the possibility to save not only the
victims of these diseases, but also all of the relatives that suffer from
the loss of a family member.
Besides the possibility of curing so many fatal diseases,
therapeutic cloning will also be beneficial for research. Stem cells that
are harvested through therapeutic cloning could be used to research the
effects of new drugs and medications. These stem cells could be used to
determine the nature of a certain side effect and how it affects our
cells. In addition to researching new medications, therapeutic cloning can
hopefully help to provide some answers in the study of human development.
By analyzing something as versatile as a stem cell, and with more
experimentation with the process of therapeutic cloning, perhaps scientists
will be able to learn more about the nature of life. Throughout history,
scientists have used research as a gateway into our future, and hopefully
this will hold through for therapeutic cloning.
I know that in the past you have been an avid supporter of
stem cell research. Even with President Bush’s restrictions on stem cell
research, you have continued to fight to lift these limitations and expand
federal funding. I would like to commend you on all of these efforts.
People will continue to fight for the stem cells, but I personally believe
that we should instead be fighting for the lives of the people that are
already suffering and could benefit from therapeutic cloning. I know that
my voice alone can not change a nation, but hopefully through the power of
your voice in Congress you can help bring change to the masses.
Signed,
With much admiration
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