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The source of this article is Suburban Chicago News: http://tinyurl.com/8srqv Stem-cell debate splits along patient, moral lines By Katie Foutz STAFF WRITER As director of the Midwest Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, Susan Reese helps local people find support groups, learn more about the disease and fund research. A bill moving through the U.S. Congress may make the research part of her organization's job easier. The House eased funding restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research last week, and the Senate will consider the bill this summer. President Bush in 2001 banned federally funded research on all but a few old embryonic stem-cell lines because using stem cells destroys the days-old embryo harboring the cells. But because stem-cell research works toward finding viable treatments and cures for diseases such as Parkinson's, Reese sees the issue a different way. "Those (embryos) that are designated to be killed, we're going to use them for lifesaving measures," she said. Meanwhile, other parts of the world are making advances in the field. South Korean scientists announced May 19 that they have sped up the creation of human embryonic stem cells, growing 11 new batches that for the first time were a genetic match for injured or sick patients. It is a major advancement in the quest to grow patients' own replacement tissue to treat diseases. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale and a senior member of the House Science Committee, co-sponsored the bill. "It's time we allow researchers to go where the science leads and not where the politicians dictate," she said in a statement. "Everyone has a family member or friend who suffers from diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other diseases. Unfortunately, without federal support, scientists won't have access to the stem cells they need to develop treatments and cures for a host of diseases that touch the lives of almost every American." She added that to realize the full benefits of research, scientists need access to all available stem cells: adult, umbilical and embryonic. Specifically, the bill allows funding for research using stem cells regardless of when they were taken from a human embryo. The cells must meet the following ethical requirements: • The embryos were created for in vitro fertilization. • They are in excess of clinical need for the patients seeking infertility treatment. • They would otherwise be discarded. • They were donated with the consent of the patients and without payment or other coercion. Tom O'Donnell, a contributor to Illinois Federation for Right to Life and a father of six, said supporters of embryonic stem-cell research have a social agenda. "It's unfortunate that the pro-abortion people feel that that is the only area and the only way they can pursue stem-cell research, by using the embryos from unwanted pregnancies," he said. But historically, he said, moral or ethical barriers to scientific progress have been only temporary. For example, people fought blood transfusions and examination of human cadavers on moral grounds. "Ultimately, the science wins out," O'Donnell said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. FYI To voice your opinion on the embryonic stem-cell research bill, contact: U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, District Office, 6262 S. Route 83, Suite 305, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Call (630) 655-2052 or fill out a form at http://www.house.gov/biggert. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Chicago Office, 230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3892, Chicago, IL 60604. (312) 353-4952. http://www.durbin.senate.gov. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, Chicago Office, 230 S. Dearborn St. Suite 3900, Chicago, IL 60604. (312) 886-3506. http://www.obama.senate.gov. 6/3/05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn