On Jan. 7, scientists at Wake Forest University discovered stem cells in amniotic fluid, which surrounds a developing fetus in the womb. This discovery has spurred further debate in the already prevalent discussion surrounding the ethics of stem cell research. To find out the opinions of the ISU community, FYI put together a small panel of ISU students and faculty. They were each asked three questions regarding the ethics of stem cell research and whether this new research will impact the ongoing stem cell debate.

Penny Rice, Margaret Sloss Women’s Center Coordinator and graduate student in education leadership and policy studies

1. What are your thoughts on removing stem cells from amniotic fluid?

“I support the advancement of scientific methods to improve the quality of life.”

2. What do you feel are some benefits/drawbacks to stem cell research?

“I’m not a scientist and therefore know about some of what the media put out on the issue, but this doesn’t mean I understand all aspects of the topic. However, I feel the potential benefits outweigh any drawbacks.”

3. Will this new development in stem cell research alter the political and/or ethical debate surrounding the issue?

“Everything has a political and ethical lens. It will alter the debate if there is a benefit to politicians on one side or the other of the issue.”

Sarah Sunderman, president of ISU Democrats and senior in marketing

1. What are your thoughts on removing stem cells from amniotic fluid?

“I think it is great news – anything that has the potential for helping people is something I support. However, it should be seen as a compliment rather than a replacement to embryonic stem cell research.”

2. What do you feel are some benefits/drawbacks to stem cell research?

“The benefits to stem cell research are virtually limitless. It holds the potential to provide cures for anything from Alzheimer’s to AIDS.”

3. Will this new development in stem cell research alter the political and/or ethical debate surrounding the issue?

“No, I think this will just help reinforce the importance of the government funding stem cell research.”

Steven Satterlee, adviser for ISU College Republicans and program coordinator for the Memorial Union

1. What are your thoughts on removing stem cells from amniotic fluid?

“Stem cell research is not meant to be malicious. I’m not opposed to it I guess. If people are willing to provide the necessary resources to do it [donate stem cells], then I think they should.”

2. What do you feel are some benefits/drawbacks to stem cell research?

“The benefits would be it would create a better supply of donor materials for those that are in need of it.

“The drawbacks are that there are a lot of religious implications associated with stem cell research. The number of benefits may outweigh those that are opposed to it.”

3. Will this new development in stem cell research alter the political and/or ethical debate surrounding the issue?

“I think it’s going to be a big topic for the election campaign coming up. The fact that they [scientists] can take stem cells from the amniotic fluid is less invasive. It’s not imposing on the religious and ethical beliefs that some hold.”