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Sun Herald - Biloxi - Opinion Monday, May 21, 2001 Millions await decision on stem-cell research President Bush will make a decision very soon regarding federal funding for research using stem cells, which holds much promise as a cure for diabetes. The promise of stem cells derived from in vitro fertilized eggs lies with their ability to differentiate into any human cell type, so that researchers could potentially generate insulin-producing cells for patients with juvenile diabetes; neurons to treat Parkinson's disease, ALS, Alzheimer's disease and repair spinal cord damage; and bone marrow cells to treat cancer. President Bush is under pressure from pro-life advocates to stop this funding. However, because the fertilized eggs from which stem cells are derived are in excess of clinical need, and would otherwise be frozen indefinitely or discarded, this should not be viewed as a right-to-life issue. Rather, this type of research is analogous to organ and tissue donation. Millions of lives are at stake in this debate. It is estimated that upwards of 100 million people in this country suffering from various diseases and disabilities could be cured, or have their quality of life dramatically improved, as a result of this research. The promise this research holds cannot be realized through the support of private funds alone. Only with the support of the substantial resources of the federal government will researchers be able to translate the promise of stem cell research into treatments and cures for millions of Americans. I urge all Mississippians to carefully consider this issue and let their voices be heard to our legislators in Washington. For more information, visit http://www.stemcellfunding.org and http://www.jdrf.org MARYANN JACOBSON Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mississippi Chapter Jackson http://web.sunherald.com/content/biloxi/2001/05/21/opinion/4138160_05212001.htm **************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn