Stem Cells
Nestin stain
BRDU stain
On August 9, 2001, President George Bush announced that NIH will fund human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research for the first time. The research will be restricted to 72 cell lines derived from surplus fertilized embryos before August 9. Both opponents and supporters of HESC research are unhappy with the ruling. Opponents believe that federal funding of human ESC research will open a Pandoras box leading to baby and organ factories. Supporters believe that the restrictions will hold back crucial research that will benefit millions of people. Researchers have recently found that they can create cloned embryos. Stem cells derived from such embryos have the same genes and are an ideal source of stem cells for transplantation. Congress, however, is considering a bill that would outlaw making of cloned embryonic stem cells.
Studies of human embryonic stem cells will lead to major advances in human biology
Embryonic stem cell research will provide critical insights into mechanisms of cell differentiation, growth, and death. Understanding stem cells may provide keys to why people age. Limitations on the study of human embryonic stem cell research will hold back biomedical research.
Human embryonic stem cell therapies can save lives and restore function of people
Human embryonic stem cell can replace damaged or lost cells These include diabetes, degenerative neurological diseases, demyelinative diseases, brain & spinal cord injury. These conditions are the most common and costly causes of disability in the United States.
Common Misconceptions
Human embryonic stem cell The research will increase research encourages abortions. killing of human embryos.
The proposed NIH research will use frozen fertilized eggs, not aborted fetuses. The fertilized eggs are used with permission of the parents who would otherwise discard them. Availability of human embryonic stem cells should reduce the current need for and use of human fetal tissues to treat Parkinsons disease and other conditions. The proposed NIH research will not create or clone human embryos. Only fertilized eggs that were already been created for the purposes of in vitro fertilization are used. Availability of this source of stem cells should reduce current unrestricted creation and destruction of human embryos for their stem cells.
More Misconceptions
Embryonic stem cells come from embryos that can become adults
Thousands of fertilized eggs are being discarded from fertility and not being used for research or therapy Many fertilized eggs have been stored beyond the time when they are suitable for producing embryos. Many parents do not want their eggs to be adopted by others.
Embryonic stem cells come from embryos with recognizable body parts
Embryonic stem cells come from blastocysts (2 weeks), little round balls of cells with no discernible organs or body parts. The blastocysts are never implanted into a uterus. Embryos form only after the notochord appears at about 2 weeks. Embryos become fetuses at 6 weeks.
Current Situation
Human Cloning
First human clone by placing human nucleus into a cows egg and growing it to 32-cell stage. Nov 1997
Scientific American article reporting the first cloned human embryo showing a fertilized cloned oocyte and cumulus cells. Advanced Cell Technology Nov 24, 2001
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_371000/371378.stm http://www.sciam.com/explorations/2001/112401ezzell/
Religious Positions
Philosophical Positions
A Better Compromise
Allow NIH to use stem cells derived from fertilized eggs under a strict guideline of demonstrated need.
This provides sufficient diversity for therapy. It will reduce the embryos use by private companies.
Conclusions
Both sides of the debate share the same goal: minimize creation and destruction of human embryos while accelerating stem cell therapies The current policy of limiting stem cells created before August 9, 2001 will encourage unregulated use of embryos while delaying stem cell therapies Proposed anti-cloning legislation banning therapeutic cloning is not enforceable, delays stem cell therapies, and will drive scientists and companies overseas A better policy would be to allow NIH to use new stem cell lines, ban reproductive cloning, and allow therapeutic cloning with a sunset clause