EDITORIAL
Stem cell research is worth exploring
During these last days leading up to the presidential election, embryonic stem cell research has emerged as a key issue that sets the two candidates apart, and it deserves your attention.
Without question, embryonic stem cell research has recently benefited from some high-profile supporters. Actor Christopher Reeve, paralyzed after a spinal cord injury, spent the final years of his life highlighting the promise of stem cell research. His death just weeks ago pushed the issue front-and-center into the presidential campaign.
And both Nancy Reagan and her son Ronald Reagan Jr. have publicly supported stem cell research as offering hope to those with Alzheimer's.
President Bush and Sen. John Kerry offer two distinct points of view on stem cell research. Bush, taking the politically safe route, has allowed federal funds to be used in stem cell research, but only for existing stem cell lines. Researchers say existing lines —about 60 exist today — are no longer viable and are essentially rendered useless.
Kerry, however, said he'd lift those restrictions and expand stem cell research.
Embryonic stem cell research holds great promise in fighting more than 70 diseases once thought incurable. From spinal cord injuries, to Parkinson's, to certain types of cancers, to multiple sclerosis.
The key behind embryonic stem cells is its ability to develop into virtually any type of tissue. Adult stem cells can typically only renew themselves into the type of tissue from which it originates.
Still, opponents of stem cell research have said the promises are overstated. And others, including anti-abortion activists, oppose stem cell research because days-old embryos are discarded after the cells are harvested.
Yet in-vitro fertilization is a similar process where unused embryos are routinely frozen or discarded. Under Bush's guidelines, even those embryos could not be used.
True, there are no guarantees of a medical breakthrough here. And there are medical hurdles to overcome. But anyone who knows someone afflicted with any of these diseases would agree that if there's even a slight chance of success, it should be fully explored.
The promise offered by stem cell research is too great to ignore. We have the scientific ability and desire. All we need now is the political will.
