Partisan
Mr. and Ms. Partisan
You group will answer the following questions playing the roles of politicians representing the span of the various political parties. You will try and represent the different views that can exist. You will use the answers to these questions to formulate your 2-3 minute presentation/commercial. At the end of your presentation, it should be clear where your role "stands" on the "Big Question". Remember, all politicians might not agree.
1.Research four politicians of your choice. What are their specific feelings about stem cell research? Why? Be specific as to the types of stem cell research they would and would not support ( embryonic, adult, ips, etc) ( Make a chart to present your findings)
2. Research and explain briefly two current research studies or clinical trials involving stem cells. It might be helpful to make a chart to organize your response...summarize the type of stem cell used, the general nature of the experiment or research, and the outcome of the experiment. ( Hint: Use trials and research resources page)
3. According to your "role playing characters", are you in support of Barack Obama's decision to lift the ban on federal funding ? (Present your findings in a chart format. Use direct quotes from each candidate in your chart if possible)
4. What is the history of federal funding and stem cell research? ( checkout the stem cell history button under "resources"- highlight some important dates and decisions) Compare president Bush's policy to president Obama's policy.
5. Describe the process of in vitro fertilization and how embryonic stem cells are derived from donated embryos.
6. What ethical issues surround the use of extra frozen embryos from IVF for stem cell research? Find quotes from politicians to support your answer.
7. As a "role playing character", what restrictions do you feel there should be on stem cell research?
8. Describe the new breakthough of iPSCs. What are they? What potential will they have in the future? How would this erase the "stem cell debate' if they prove to be as promising as they seem?
9. What is SCNT? Describe how this process differs from ESC research on embryos derived from IVF. What eithical concerns are raised surrounding SCNT? Do any of your "roles" support this research?
10. Create a chart comparing adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and iPS stem cells. You must include: origin of these cells, if they are multi, pluri "potent", pro of these cells (+), con of these cells (-).
"We call for a ban on the use of body parts from aborted fetuses for research. We support and applaud adult stem cell research to develop lifesaving therapies, and we oppose the killing of embryos for their stem cells. We oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research." Republican Platform 2012
"President Obama “issued an executive order repealing the restrictions on embryonic stem cell research” in March 2009. As he made clear in his remarks when he signed the stem cell executive order, Obama agrees with the Republican Platform that human cloning should be banned: “And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning (Obama's Executive Order Remarks) for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any society.” 2012
"President Obama “issued an executive order repealing the restrictions on embryonic stem cell research” in March 2009. As he made clear in his remarks when he signed the stem cell executive order, Obama agrees with the Republican Platform that human cloning should be banned: “And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning (Obama's Executive Order Remarks) for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any society.” 2012
Resources: Note: Check resources (video views) for president speeches
Oppose Obama on Stem Cells Republicans seek to prioritize stem cell research programs GOP Case Against Stem Cell Research -Comments from first debate August 2015 Candidates on the Issues - if presidential candidates have a statement on stem cell research you will find it here. Donald Trump and Stem Cells |