Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 November 2003

Stem Cell Research: Statements.

 

I listened closely to Senator Henry's statement about the production of embryos. Her point was absolutely clear and it concerned the issue which bothered me in reviewing the little I have read about this debate. I do not claim to have full knowledge, but there is a complete and distinct difference between producing embryos for stem cell research and using embryos which have already been created for the purpose of in vitro fertilisation. If we accept that in vitro fertilisation can take place, we must accept that we have embryos which have been created for that purpose to spare. They will not be used which forces us to ask whether to do something useful with them or to dump them. No matter which position one takes morally, psychologically, ethically or philosophically, the latter cannot be viewed as a good choice. I do not mean to suggest that this complex argument can be boiled down to that one issue, but it is a decision which has to be made. Nobody can argue that any decision other the one proposed by Senator Henry can be appropriate.

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