Name: ______________________________________________ Date: ______________ Period: ______
“Scientists study stem cells to analyze cell development and to explore ways that stem cells might repair
or replace damaged tissues associated with such devastating ailments as spinal cord injuries, diabetes and
Parkinson’s. Most of the stem cells used in such research have been derived from days-old human
embryos through a process that destroys the embryos and is strongly opposed by many religious and
social conservatives.” – New York Times, January 21, 2013
Stem Cell Research: It’s About
Life and Death, Not Politics
Peggy Prichard Ross
1. What personal anecdote does Ross reveal in paragraphs 2 and 3? What is the rhetorical
impact of her doing this? In your opinion, is this a legitimate use of an anecdote or not? Explain
your response.
2. Richard Doerflinger uses the word when talking about embryos and stem cell research while
Ross uses the word “destroy”. Why does Ross choose to use the word Destroy?
3. What does Ross say about the use of the phrase, “all human cloning” when used in the debate
about stem cell research?
4. Ross writes, “In fact, the egg cells used in therapeutic cloning have no chance of being
fertilized or transplanted into a woman’s womb.” (paragraph 5) What is your reaction to this
claim (you are welcome to use your own knowledge on this subject, but it is not required)?
5. What argument does Ross make about the place of religion in this debate? Do you agree with
her about this or not? Explain your response.
6. In paragraph 8, Ross acknowledges that she will not benefit from this research. So why does
she support it. In terms of rhetorical argumentation, how does this impact her argument?
7. In paragraph 8, Ross refers to all the people who might benefit from stem cell research, why
does she specifically refer to Christians and Muslims as being among them?
8. Based on your reading of this article, why does Ross support the destruction/killing of
embryos in order to advance the study of stem cell research?