Fund Stem Cell Research

The controversy about continuing federal funding of stem cell research is ridiculous (“House GOP Urges Bush to Keep Stem Cell Ban,” July 3). Hasn’t anyone noticed that we routinely and appropriately kill billions of human cells daily through surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy? And surely it’s not sinful to shave, pluck an eyebrow or cut off a gangrenous limb to save a patient’s life.

Since these unneeded embryonic stem cells or this placental tissue would otherwise be discarded and die, what is wrong with using this tissue for medical research to save human lives and reduce suffering? Common sense demands that we return to Jeremy Bentham’s “the greatest good for the greatest number” standard for public policy. The federal government should provide ample funding for this research.

Stephanie Nordlinger

Los Angeles