#187: Dr. Michael Buratovich on Arguments Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Join the discussion at http://ProLifePodcast.net/187

 

Dr. Michael Buratovich is Professor of Biochemistry at Spring Arbor University and the faculty advisor for the SAU Students for Life club. Josh interviews him on what stem cell research is and how to respond to common arguments for embryonic stem cell research.

 

Purchase "The Stem Cell Epistles: Letters to my Students about Bioethics, Embryos, Stem Cells, and Fertility Treatments:" http://amzn.to/1f2rM3b

 

Read Dr. Buratovich's blog at http://BeyondTheDish.wordpress.com.

 

01:09 - How did this book come along?

 

04:10 - Can you explain for our listeners what a stem cell is, and why they are sought after in research for regenerative medicine?

 

11:03 - Can you talk about the differences between embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research and induced pluripotent stem cell research?  

 

17:18 - Many people argue that the embryo is just a tiny clump of cells with no nervous system; no heart, no consciousness, no ability to feel pain. They think it's crazy to call that an intrinsically valuable human being. What do you say to them?

 

18:49 - Some people think we should use cloned embryos to solve the practical issues with embryonic stem cell research? Do you believe that to be an ethical alternative?

 

21:08 - Some people make a utilitarian argument that all those millions of embryos in storage units are going to die anyway. They argue that we should put them to good use instead of wasting them in a cold storage unit or flushing them down the drain. How would you respond to that utilitarian argument?

 

24:39 - What should pro-lifers be doing about stem cell research?

 

Stay tuned for bonus audio with Dr. Buratovich to be posted later this week at http://ProLifePodcast.net