The Stem Cell Research Debate
Date(s):	May 25, 2005 (Wednesday)
Time:	12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location:	Westin Hotel, Seattle, WA
Description:	All Seattle Rotary Club members are invited to hear a panel of experts discuss the ethical implications of new technologies and what is being left out of the stem cell research debate. Too often arguments for or against new technologies are reduced to ideologically driven sound bites. Much of the information available to the general public seeks not to educate but to motivate a particular knee-jerk response. As a result, the public’s opinion on these issues is based not on a thorough understanding of the issues but on emotions such as fear, distrust, or anger. The Women's Bioethics Project believes that, as a society, we need to look at discrete technologies and the questions they present within the bigger context. None of these issues exists in a vacuum. Many of the challenges presented by stem-cell research also come up with genetic manipulation, reproductive cloning, genetically modified food, and neuroimaging of the brain. Some of the broad ethical questions that need to be asked: Who benefits from a particular policy—and who doesn’t? Are vulnerable populations disproportionately burdened? Will this technology alter how we think of ourselves as human beings? What are our obligations to future generations? The goal of the panel will be to look at some of the challenges we face as a society as rapidly emerging technologies have the potential to change what it means to be a human being. The Women’s Bioethics Project has not taken a position on the stem-cell research issue. Within our own ranks, we have disagreements of opinion about whether human embryonic stem-cell research should be allowed, or funded with federal dollars. What we want to do is help people gather information about these issues to form their own, informed opinions. Listen to KUOW's broadcast here.
Contact:	Women's Bioethics Project info@womensbioethics.org