FIRST THE DEHUMANIZATION, THEN THE DEBATE:

Prop. 71 stem cell research stirs ethical debate (Sandy Kleffman, 3/30/05, CONTRA COSTA TIMES)

California's plunge into the brave new world of stem cell research is raising prickly ethical questions and could create a demand for hundreds of women's eggs.

Scientists plan to use the eggs from as many as 1,000 women for therapeutic cloning -- a technique many believe holds huge promise for medical breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

But some women's groups fear egg donors will face health risks. They worry that scientists do not know all the long-term effects of the drugs women will receive to stimulate ovulation. Some question whether voters knew the ramifications when they passed Proposition 71 in November.

"This certainly was not a well-understood or talked-about issue," said state Sen. George Runner, R-Antelope Valley, who opposed the measure.

"I'm not sure the voters really understood the ethical divide they were crossing."

They should be proud to die for the greater good.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 30, 2005 12:53 PM