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.