Madam, - Martin Clynes (November 26th) supposes that the people of Ireland believe embryonic stem cell research is a "barbarous" practise. His main justification is that a fertilised ovum is a "person" and its destruction results in the "killing \ human individuals".
This does not appear to be the view of the State or the majority of Irish people as IUDs and even the morning-after pill are legal and are commonly used. Is it not that people intuitively realise that, just as an acorn is not an oak tree, an embryo is not a "person"? - Yours, etc.,
TONY McELLIGOTT, Stephen's Lane, Dublin 2.
Madam, - In the debate on funding human embryo stem-cell research, it seems the emotive argument for its approval is the benefit seen for those who suffer; but there is a principle missing from this argument.
It can be elucidated from Plato's work the Gorgias, in which Socrates debates with Polus on his choices between doing wrong and suffering. Socrates says: "I would rather avoid both; but if I had to choose one or the other I would rather suffer wrong than do wrong."
I am sure the sick would feel the same. The State too must make such a choice. Will it suffer the wrong of having no cures for some diseases at the moment? Or will it rush to approve what is expedient? - Yours, etc.,
Father LEONARD TAYLOR, Avondale, Sligo.