Why Stem Cell Research Should be Federally Funded

The media has given the public some misleading and non-factual information about embryonic stem cell research. This has confused people and created misunderstanding and unnecessary controversy. Furthermore these lies have prevented federal funding for research that holds a great potential for treatment of illnesses such as spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's Disease and many other medical conditions with which humans suffer. Never in history has one technology held such strong potential to help a majority of people live a healthier life and it is important to know the truth about it.
What is a Stem Cell? The term "stem cell" refers to an undifferentiated cell that is capable of developing into other types of cells such as liver cells, kidney cells, brain cells, depending on their surrounding conditions. Every type of cell in the body originates from stem cells that appear during the first few days after an ovum and sperm are united.
The cells used for embryonic research are derived from unused fertilized eggs created during in vitro infertility treatment. An ovum that has been fertilized by a spermatozoon is called a zygote or morula. Once planted into the wall of the womb (usually between day 4 and day 5), the clump of cells is called a blastocyst. Zygotes or blastocysts are unspecific in what type of cells they will become.
Research on blastocyst stem cells offers the most promise because these stem cells are able to replicate themselves and have "plasticity" or the ability to differentiate into any cell type and repair tissues in the body. Adult stem cells do not offer the same promise because they are somatic or limited and can only develop into the type of cells found in the organ from which they are taken. Additionally, not all adult organs contain stem cells; therefore not all organs can be regenerated by using adult stem cells. This explains why adult stem cells are not adequate to regenerate the parts of the body damaged through Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, SCI and diabetes.
The main source of controversy to blastocyst stem cell research comes from people who believe that taking stem cells from blastocysts destroys an embryo in the process. This is not true. Scientists can take cells from a blastocyst and coax them into growing additional stem cells without harming the blastocyst. The stem cells of the blastocyst phase are not complete organisms, they are not human beings; they are just cells. Leftover blastocysts are normally discarded. They could be used for research purposes.
Members of the New York State Center of Research Excellence in Spinal Cord Injury conducted a study on rats with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) using human blastocyst stem cells from the central nervous system. After being coaxed into differentiating into a specific type of immature astrocytes supportive of nerve fiber growth, these cells were transplanted into cuts in the spinal cord of adult rats that had spinal cord injury. More than 60% the rats' sensory nerve fibers regenerated without scar formation at the injury site. Within eight days approximately two-thirds of the nerve fibers had grown all the way through the injury sites. Within two weeks the rats were able to walk normally. This shows great regenerative potential for healing of spinal cord injury in humans. However, we need funds to do more research before this experiment can benefit humans.
H.R. 810 (the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005) was passed by Congress to release federal funds for blastocyst stem cell research. President Bush vetoed the bill. A second bill, HR 3, is now before the Congress to allowing stem cell lines created after August 2001 to be used for federally funded research. The erroneous beliefs about stem cell research must be challenged if our society is to benefit from this advanced biotechnology.
I am writing a book titled Right to Recover: Winning The Political And Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research In America. It presents a reasoned voice that will challenge the misinformation, educate people with facts to help secure federal funds for embryonic stem cell research. Here's what you can do to help:
Write your senator or state representative requesting support for legislation to fund stem cell technology.
Vote for a candidate who supports government funding for research on blastocyst stem cells.
Share with others what you have learned in this article.
If you would like to be notified when my book becomes available, please subscribe to my f.ree monthly newsletter. By allowing scientists and doctors to explore blastocyst stem cell biology we are very likely to find a cure for many illnesses and injuries. Just think of all the people you know who would benefit. Help make our world a healthier place. We all have the right to recover!