Abstract

Subject to Debate

This article focuses on stem cell research. In a rational world, the U.S. President would decide on funding by thinking about whether this was the best use of the country's money and brainpower-but then, in a rational world, the President would not be making this decision at all, as if he were a medieval king dispensing largesse and boons. In this world, the stem cell debate is not about health policy, it's about abortion. The author says that The White House should ask opponents of embryonic stem cell research to sign a legally binding pledge forgoing any treatment or procedures derived from it, both for themselves and their minor offspring. If they really believe that frozen embryos are children, they should have no problem with this.