AGENDA

Key IssuesThe Slippery SlopeWhy biotechnology?Ethical problems

TWO KEY POINTS

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is the ultimate problem

Adult stem cells are the ultimate solution

The Slippery Slope

Abortion

In Vitro Fertilization Partial Birth

Stem cells Infanticide

Cloning Handicapped

Genetic Humans Euthanasia

Why Biotechnology?

Greater threat to humanity than abortion• Growing disrespect for life

• Stealthy evils mingled with real benefits

• Granting of King Midas-like wishes

Manufacturing of humans• Factories, Specs, QC, Buying/selling

Not Science Fiction• 100,000/year, rapid growth

• Brave New World

Alternative Methods ofMaking Human Beings

CELL DIFFERENTIATION(STEM CELLS)

Benefits and Problems withExisting Biotechnology

Benefits Problems

Help for infertile couples “ “

Spare embryos for stem cell research

Elimination of genetic diseases

Planned families Hope for patients

Problems found ---25 years later

Purchased sperm, eggs, rented womb

Killing of human embryos

Abortion of defective embryos

Sex selection Exaggerated promises

Benefits and Problems withFuture Biotechnology

Benefits Problems

Many cures from stem cell research

Perfect humans

Replacement children Fetal spare parts

“Wanted” humans Convenient babies

Depends on source of stem cells

Dehumanized procreation

Cloned “humans” Growth beyond the

embryo stage Designed humans “In stock” babies

Ethical Advantages withAdult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells available in• Blood, bone marrow, fat, brain, etc.

• Umbilical cord blood Minimal impact on donor Close fit to patient

• Compatible DNA, blood type

• Differentiated toward problem Cures already in use

CONCLUSIONS

Human life begins at conception Killing/ Experimenting on humans is immoral Test tube humans are uniquely vulnerable IVF is the ultimate source of problems in this

biotech area IVF, stem cell research, and cloning are the

same process Adult stem cells are better than embryonic

stem cells