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March 10, 2007 [log in to unmask] Michael J. Mobley, Ph.D. The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University PO Box 875001 Tempe, AZ 85287-5001 RE: Where does conception take place in human reproduction? Dear Dr. Mobley: I am a constituent of Arizona State Representative Bob Stump. He has referred you to me as someone who will answer questions about embryonic stem cell research. Since this is such a complicated issue, I will confine my questions to the differences between fertilization and conception, processes which I think are key to finding common ground between those who favor all kinds of hESCR and people who wish to restrict research to adult stem cells. Most opponents of embryonic stem cell research do so on religious grounds, but often make the argument that it is an incontrovertible scientific fact that human life begins at conception. But where does "conception" take place, in a human uterus or a petri dish? If it is successful implantation of a blastocyst (created in an IVF clinic or SCNT) in a uterus, we cannot say human life begins in a petri dish. Although the sources I have searched on the web seem to use fertilization and conception interchangeably, it is an incontrovertible scientific fact that not all fertilized blastocysts implant in a uterus either as products of IVF treatments or from the old-fashioned way. It would seem to me you cannot use "conception" for both fertilization and implantation, now that IVF treatments separate these processes, both of which are essential for human reproduction. My Encyclopedic Dictionary states that conception is "The fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm in the uterus to form an embryo capable of survival and maturation in normal conditions." This 1920 page tome also has entries for in vitro fertilization. I would appreciate hearing what your position is on this question. Sincerely, Rayilyn Brown E-mail copy: Rep. Bob Stump ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn