Stem cells: fertile ground for conflict

“Crossing the stem cell line,” Opinion, Aug. 5

I would find David Gelernter’s objection to using human embryos for stem cell research more compelling if he was also calling for the outlawing of fertility clinics. The clinics intentionally create more embryos than they plan to use during the in vitro fertilization process. He actually states, “We can never permit the creation of human life with the intent of using and then killing it.” I suppose he would answer that fertility clinics are in the business of helping to create life, therefore destroying some embryos in that process becomes acceptable. Would he agree that it’s acceptable to kill 100 (or 1,000) embryos so that one might blossom into a healthy fetus? There seems to be a “Catch-22” logic at work here that I find difficult to understand.

BILL WOODRUM

Covina

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While I respect Gelernter’s citation of Talmudic principles in his opposition to stem cell research, I don’t believe anyone has the right to formulate public policy based on religious beliefs or principles. The Constitution is our nation’s “sacred” text, and it’s no coincidence that God is conspicuously absent from its pages. If Gelernter doesn’t want to benefit from stem cell research because it’s counter to his religious beliefs, so be it. But if he -- or any religious group -- thinks it’s going to decide the issue for me, he’s badly mistaken.

CHRISTIAN BREIDING

Glendale