In which I reject yet another politically loaded term

The discovery of a technique which can be used to make human embryonic stem cells out of ordinary human skin cells is certainly to be applauded but I wholeheartedly object to, and reject the use of, the phrase "ethical stem cells" to describe the process. The implication that the use of stem cells from embryos that would otherwise be discarded, either because they resulted from an abortion or because the "owners" of the embryos have decided they have enough kids now, is somehow unethical cannot be allowed. If we allow this to happen we will be allowing the right and forces of retreat and repression to once again frame the debate and allow it to be conducted on their turf and on their terms!