Stem-cell research must not come to halt

Misguided notions about the reality of basic human cell research and the emotional power of the anti-abortion lobby may be about to hamstring important advances in human health research.

The issue involves so-called stem cells, basic human cells that are the building blocks for all human tissue. Research into stem cells and their genetic properties may lead to breakthroughs in the fight against diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to juvenile diabetes.

But such research may soon be threatened by President Bush, who said he intends to block any federal support for such medical research. Bush is responding to anti-abortion groups and others who are horrified that such cells are obtained from human embryos slated for destruction at fertility clinics.

The reaction is, at one level, quite understandable. The idea that human embryos might be created and "harvested" for such research or for therapeutic use is unconscionable. But that is not the case.

Large amounts of embryonic tissue is destroyed each year through abortion, miscarriage or other causes. Only a minuscule amount is needed for the stem cell research now under way. In fact, the time may be close at hand when such cells can be cloned, thus eliminating the need for any embryonic tissue.

Nothing in terms of health or well-being is gained by forbidding such research. Much — at least potentially — is lost.

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