|
Stem Cell News
False Hope Comes with Embryonic Stem Cells
By Linda J., The Des Moines Register, May 31, 2007
Lobbying for the passage of a bill authorizing
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research,
Rekha and others who have been affected by Lou
Gehrig's Disease (ALS), were in Washington D.C.
earlier this month. On May 18th, Rekha wrote a column
titled, "ALS Activists Fight for Research, Cling
To Hope". The material was infuriating and
heartbreaking at the same time; Rekha believes that
embryonic stem cells "may hold the key to finding
a cure." However, she was mistaken.
For the treatment of injuries and diseases, only
adult stem cell have been proven effective.
Even the American College of Pediatricians (ACP)
called for an end to embryonic stem-cell research,
"which prolongs needless suffering by delaying
the development of more promising adult stem-cell
treatments and cures." On May 14th, this entire
medical organization backed up the fact that embryonic
stem cells are just not necessary.
Exclusive use of adult stem cells has resulted in
the successful treatment of dozens of conditions and
diseases over the last decade. The ACP cites these
strong pro-adult stem cell results further noting,
"catastrophic results...producing the wrong
tissue, forming tumors and triggering immune
rejection," when describing the abysmal failure
that embryonic stem cell trials have produced.
Asserting that it, "steals resources away from
the established utility and potential of adult
stem-cell research"; the medical group denounced
embryonic stem cell research as a tremendous waste of
money and resources.
Afflicted patients and their families continue
their journey on a path that leads to nowhere because
of people like U.S. Senator Tom Harkin who is a
sponsor of the embryonic stem cell bill.
Heartless and cruel are only a few of the words
being used to describe opponents of embryonic
stem-cell research. But offering false promises to
millions of desperate people who are suffering from
diseases and conditions that could be treated with
adult stem cells right now may be even more heartless.
|
