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Let's not admonish those who choose not to participate in experiemental procedures for religious, moral, or ethical reasons. It's their choice and it should be respected. It's not right or wrong. It's their choice.
When my mom was first getting treated for ovarian cancer, her oncologist approached our family with having her participate in clinical trials for research. Some family members did not agree that my mom should be used as a guinea pig for pharmaceutical companies. Myself and others thought what a great opportunity for her as well to able to tell her grandchild that she participated in something that will help others that have her disease. My mom went through with the experimental treatment. And is six months cancer free after battling over 2 yrs. My family was lucky. It's a crapshoot. The treatment could have easily failed her.
It was not an easy decision and there are alot of risks involved.
Until a family member is put in that situation, you have no idea how you'll react. The potential side effects are numerous. The quality of life of the participant is not guaranteed.There is no financial compensation nor should there be.
Stem-cell research should continue to be funded and let those who want to participate do and let those that don't be left alone.
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