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The source of this editorial is Mercury News: http://tinyurl.com/3t9lq Posted on Wed, Aug. 18, 2004 Stem-cell solution: Get politics out of the way Mercury News Editorial Laura Bush claims that the promise of embryonic stem-cell research is overblown. She says the president's restrictions on research are appropriate due to the ``moral and ethical implications.'' Nancy Reagan argues that the stringent limits imposed by President Bush should be eliminated because stem-cell research could lead to breakthroughs to help those who suffer an enormous number of diseases. Who's right? Here's a hint. More than 80 Nobel Prize winning scientists are on record in support of expanding stem-cell research. The line of Nobel scientists standing behind the president: none that we know of. The stem-cell debate is becoming increasingly symbolic during this election year for the scientific community. A growing number of scientists believe the Bush administration routinely distorts and suppresses science to suit its political goals. The truth about stem-cell research is that at present it clearly belongs under the heading of ``promising.'' Years of research will be necessary before any medical treatments for diabetes, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries become a reality. But ``promising'' opportunities are the lifeblood of scientific research, and many of the treatments and cures for diseases that are now routine only came to fruition after years of research and experimentation. The reason embryonic stem-cell research excites so many scientists is the unique ability of stem cells to be programmed to repair the brain, heart, bones, muscles or virtually any part of the body. That potential is why California stem-cell research advocates, in the absence of sufficient federal funding, are pushing Proposition 71 on the November ballot. The initiative would enable the use of state bonds to fund further research. Regardless of the funding source, hundreds of millions of dollars will be needed to overcome the enormous challenges, including how to program stem cells and prevent their rejection. Opponents equate embryonic stem-cell research with abortion and other assaults on human life, including cloning. Their objections stem from the fact that in the process of removing stem cells, the 5-to-7-day-old embryos are destroyed. Yet opponents of embryonic stem-cell research, including President Bush, don't object to the fact that in vitro fertilization involves a similar process. Congress should alleviate opponents' moral fears by implementing a ban on any stem-cell research not intended for therapeutic purposes. And then the federal government should stop playing politics with America's top scientists and let them do what they do best -- work toward finding cures for our most devastating diseases. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn