Waubonsee Community College

The stem cell divide, produced by Triumph Documentaries

eng

videorecording

For College; Adult audiences

The stem cell divide

electronic resource

747797440

produced by Triumph Documentaries

59

The use of embryonic stem cells for medical research is an issue that has unleashed passionate political controversy nationwide. Many conservative religious groups oppose it on the grounds that using embryonic stem cells involves destroying a life at its earliest stage. Researchers and doctors working with embryonic stem cells, specifically with the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) procedure, insist that those early stem cells are not human life. The researchers contend that they would never use the DNA in the stem cells to create human life -- only to conduct biomedical research that they hope will lead to cures for such maladies as cancer, Parkinson s disease, Alzheimer s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and spinal cord injuries. Embryonic stem cells offer much hope for medical advancement because of their ability to grow into almost any kind of cell and replicate any organ in the body. This documentary looks at one state, Missouri, as the state senate deals with contentious legislation introduced to eliminate altogether SCNT, the most promising form of stem cell research. This film culminates with a ballot initiative campaign to approve an amendment to the Missouri constitution that would protect all forms of stem cell research that are allowed by the federal goverment. The documentary explores both sides of the issue and challenges assumptions as it shows the passions and principles of patients, advocates, politicians, scientists and religious leaders. It shows how the political process works in a democracy

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