Inspiration And Expert Advice: Expert Columns

Diabetes and the 2008 Presidential Election (continued)

In November 2007, a small group of citizens calling themselves Science Debate 2008, called for a presidential debate on science. Beginning with 3,400 questions, Science Debate 2008 crafted the top 14 questions the candidates should answer. Stem Cell Research was one of them. Obama responded by saying, “… As president, I will lift the current administration’s ban on federal funding of research on embryonic stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001 through executive order, and I will ensure that all research on stem cells is conducted ethically and with rigorous oversight. I recognize that some people object to government support of research that requires cells to be harvested from human embryos. However, hundreds of thousands of embryos stored in the U.S. in in-vitro fertilization clinics will not be used for reproductive purposes, and will eventually be destroyed. I believe that it is ethical to use these extra embryos for research that could save lives when they are freely donated for that express purpose.” (13)

In response to the same question, Senator McCain had this to say: “While I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, I believe clear lines should be drawn that reflect a refusal to sacrifice moral values and ethical principles for the sake of scientific progress. Moreover, I believe that recent scientific breakthroughs raise the hope that one day this debate will be rendered academic. I also support funding for other research programs, including amniotic fluid and adult stem cell research, which hold much scientific promise and do not involve the use of embryos. I oppose the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes and I voted to ban the practice of ‘fetal farming.’” (14)

With so many important issues coming to a head in current times, the race to the presidency is fraught with hurdles for candidates and constituents alike. But the American Diabetes Association, like so many Americans, is keeping its eye on the prize. “It is important that the next Administration and Congress understand diabetes and its consequences on the health system when working on health reform,” the organization said. “If diabetes prevention and care are not addressed, the implications will be felt on a national scale as diabetes costs the United States $174 billion annually.”

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Sources:
1 – Project Vote Smart. Senator Barack H. Obama Jr. (IL). (Accessed 09/08)
2 – Project Vote Smart. Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. (DE). (Accessed 09/08)
3 - Project Vote Smart. State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization. (Accessed 09/08)
4 - Project Vote Smart. Codifying the Definition of a Child Eligible for SCHIP. (Accessed 09/08)
5 - Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. 2007. Bush Again Vetoes Bill on Stem Cell Research. New York Times, June 20, U.S. section. (Accessed 09/08)
6 – United States Senate. U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110th Congress - 1st Session. (Accessed 09/08)
7 - Project Vote Smart. Stem Cell Research Bill. (Accessed 09/08)
8 - Firstread.msnbc.msn.com. Palin VS. McCain on Stem Cells. (Accessed 09/08)
9 – Lifenews.com. Sarah Palin Tells Charlie Gibson She is Pro-Life on Abortion, Stem Cell Research. (Accessed 09/08)
10 - Lifenews.com. Joe Biden Slams Sarah Palin on Down Syndrome Son, Stem Cell Research. (Accessed 09/08)
11 – Govtrack.us. S. 471 [109th]: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005. (Accessed 09/08)
12 – Obama.senate.gov. Obama Renews Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research. (Accessed 09/08)
13 – Science Debate 2008. Barack Obama's answers to the top 14 science questions facing America. (Accessed 09/08)
14 - Science Debate 2008. John McCain’s answers to the top 14 science questions facing America. (Accessed 09/08)