The topic of embryonic stem cell research is dealt with generally in the "Facts About Abortion" section of this website. It is included here because of the unique relationship it has to the concept of the "social good". This is how it is sold, as being good for society, as offering massive (though still speculative) benefits to those suffering and dying from debilitating diseases. Those who oppose the practice are written off as cruel religious fanatics. It is in the broader philosophical context that embryonic stem cell research is here considered, and to that end we refer a work compiled by Case Western Law student, Alo Konsen.
It is entitled, "Are We Killing the Weak to Save the Sick?" and serves both as a valuable history of stem cell research and as an important social commentary. Simply put, it is not good for society to profit from the death of its weakest members. But many argue that these embryos will die anyway. Why let them go to waste? Why not "use them" for science? Pretty soon this dangerous rationale flips, and the scientific benefit becomes the basis for more and more destruction. This is already happening in the form of increased requests for permission to harvest and clone new embryos for research. At its essence this kind of teaching believes that individual human life is less valuable than the "greater human good". While this may sound altruistic on the surface, it has been the historic basis for all manner of abuse.
If you want have a better grasp on this issue and be better informed of its ramifications, this is a good place to start.
