Stem Cell Research Persuasive Essay

In November of 1998, scientists announced that they had isolated and grown human embryonic stem cells, which was a discovery scientists would have never thought possible and stumped researchers for decades. This announcement started an intense and relentless debate between those who approve of stem cell research and those who are against it. In 2001, this debate intensified when President George W. Bush made federal funding limited to non-embryonic stem cell research for ethical issues. However, in 2009, President Barack Obama removed some of these restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, making it free to perform tests. These laws must carry on and stem cell research should be federally funded and scientifically allowed

Unfortunately, President George W. Bush revised the policy on stem cell research, putting heavy restrictions on the cell extraction and pronounced that the government will not support the destruction of new embryos, eliminating possible advancements in science. These restrictions put American behind in the race to create cures and medical advancements. Also, it has been confirmed that countries without funding bands are scientifically more advanced than the U.S. Many claim "other countries without such funding bans have moved ahead aggressively in this area while [U.S.] laboratories, staffed with the most brilliant doctors and scientists, have been slowed by funding limitations” (Hoffman). Scientists are slowed down with the limitations on federal funding and are moving to the United Kingdom to proceed in their work. Along with this, senior investigators for science will be directed to other countries and not the United States, causing a downfall in medical advances. Although some of these restrictions were lifted by President Obama, there is still a gap in progression as restrictions are not completely lifted. If the U.S. government is going to achieve significant medical advancements, “the government needs to take a comprehensive approach toward subsidizing stem cell research” (“Stem Cell Research”). Not only does the research provide progress, but the $1.1 billion that California taxpayers have produced for stem cell research in the state is generating 2,739 jobs annually. Stem cell research will not only help America advance but it will reduce poverty and provide jobs for many