Persuasive Speech: Stem Cell Research

Persuasive Speech

I.                   Attention

In March 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order reversing President Bush’s Order limiting stem cell research. Many people believe this Order signals a new era in this research. However, it is only the first step in allowing federal funding for American scientists to advance in stem cell technologies. After spending many hours researching the topic of stem cells, I have come to a conclusion: stem cell research is too valuable to squander. Many people think they know about all there is to know about stem cell research; however, there are many startling facts that might change your view towards the use of this controversial topic.

II.                Need

The problem today is that stem cell research, with all its benefits and applications, is still looked down upon, and because of this lacks vital funding. Most people who oppose stem cell research usually only know the cons, and ignore the vast possibilities the research has to offer. According to Stem Cells: Seeds of Hope, an article written by Life Science, “stem cells have the potential to cure spinal cord disorders, diabetes, bone disorders, and liver disease. They could be used to grow and replace damaged organs and repair massive amounts of skin and can even be used in gene therapy.” Many people, maybe in this very room, have a family member or loved one that could benefit greatly from stem cell treatments.

III.             Satisfaction

The solutions to the funding problems of stem cell have swayed between more and less funding depending mostly on the current president and their opinion of stem cell research. This is especially hard on the researchers because when they are on the brink of a breakthrough, their funding has been cut because of new bills and laws passed by the government. Many people argue that private organizations, not bound by governmental funding, should be able to provide significant breakthroughs in stem cell research. Although private researches have made few discoveries, they lack the millions of dollars needed to establish their claims. To solve the funding crisis, the government needs to have a set amount of annual grants and funding (that can’t be changed just because the current president has different beliefs) to be distributed between the stem cell research facilities. According to the Nation Institutes of Health, “Of the 27 billion dollars spent in 2004 on medical funding, only 180 million went to all the kinds of stem cell research combined.” Researchers feel they need much more than a few million to advance properly, and want more a more stable funding base.

IV.             Visualization

This plan of action is very practical. With more funding and less restriction on stem cell research, scientists can focus on breakthroughs in their medical field. In the world now, thousands of people die every day form diseases and disorders that could be cured by stem cells. If the funding problem is solved, According to the New York Times, “One day, scientists say, stem cells may be used to replace or repair damaged cells, and have the potential to drastically change the treatment of conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and even paralysis.”

V.                Action

Many people believe that they can’t make a difference in funding something like stem cell research, but surprisingly it is very easy. Not only can you donate money to special organizations, but also donate something as simple as blood. Other ways to promote stem cell research is to inform your friends and family of the benefits and persuade them to vote for a politician who believes in funding stem cell research. With your help we all may live in a world where those who were crippled could now walk, those who were crazy are now sane, and those who were on the brink of death are now healthier than ever.