 |
 |
OPINION: Stem-Cell Research Deserves Second Look EDITORIAL Great Falls Tribune, MT - Aug 1, 2004 Three years ago, President George Bush inserted politics -- or maybe it was religion -- into the world of science and research. He severely restricted federal funding on embryonic stem cell research. Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. Many believe they hold the key to curing or treating a number of debilitating diseases. But they are controversial because the stem cells are extracted from human embryos, which then are destroyed. But politics swings both ways, and recently two members of former President Ronald Reagan's family broke ranks with the Republican Party over the issue. Last week, Ron Reagan, son of the president, made a prime time appearance at the Democratic National Convention to whip up support for stem cell research. It came just weeks after his mother, Nancy Reagan, made public pleas for expanded research. She also rebuffed Republican invitations to appear at the GOP convention. It all makes for juicy Beltway gossip. But the focus shouldn't be on the political drama, it should be on the scientific possibilities. Embryonic stem cells are valued for their ability to develop into any other type of cell found in the body. That means they potentially could help produce new brain cells or organs, or they could be used to replace tissue that is diseased or damaged. Scientists say stem cell research eventually could lead to treatment of Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and maybe even Alzheimer's disease. While there are no guarantees, stem cells offer "one of the best chances we have," Harvard researcher Douglas Melton told a United Nations delegation recently. Opponents -- including the Catholic Church and some Right-to-Life activists -- argue that because embryos are killed in the process, a life is destroyed. They also fear the research could lead to a push for reproductive cloning of actual humans -- a scenario that we agree must be prevented. But the truth is that many thousands of fertilized eggs from fertility clinics are routinely destroyed anyway. Why not turn that destruction into research that could save real, live children and adults? As politicians use the issue for their own gain, the rest of the world moves on. Japan just relaxed its rules on stem cell research. Other countries, including Great Britain, Australia, South Korea and Singapore are encouraging the research. Some states are attempting end runs around the federal rules. New Jersey is investing $9.5 million in stem cell research and plans to build a new institute for the work. California voters may face a $3 billion bond initiative to dole out grants for stem cell work. And Nancy Reagan supported a Beverly Hills fund raiser that raked in $3 million for research. After the November election, just maybe our leaders -- whoever they may be -- can briefly put aside politics to more closely examine the possibilities. SOURCE: Great Falls Tribune, MT - Aug 1, 2004 http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040802/opinion/961083.html * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn