Life Alert™

The Myths of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

As the debate continues to rage over whether the government should pour additional money into embryonic stem cell research, it is imperative that we clearly examine the facts. While adult stem cell research is yielding astounding benefits and cures for at least 58 diseases, embryonic stem cells have yet to cure even one mouse, let alone a human being in over 20 years of research. Adult stem cell research is ethically acceptable and responsible, relying on stem cells extracted from umbilical cord blood, placenta, fat and adult organs. It has shown remarkable results and many scientists agree that it is the most promising source of real cures.

In a recent interview, Dr. David Prentice of the Family Research Council stated:

Adult stem cells can be found in virtually every tissue of our bodies, from birth on, as well as in umbilical cord blood and placenta. The public has heard little of their successes, or attributed the reports to embryonic stem cells. But we now know that some adult stem cells can form any tissue of the body, and can effectively regenerate damaged tissue. Their regenerative abilities have been documented in many diseases in animals, and have now helped many human patients for diseases such as heart damage, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, and many other diseases (the latest count is at least 58 for the number of human diseases treatable by adult stem cells.) The real promise is being delivered by adult stem cells.

Let's debunk the myths concerning embryonic stem cell research.

Myth #1: Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into every cell of the body (totipotent) and will be able to regenerate organs and tissues.
Reality: While embryonic stem cells are theoretically totipotent, because of the non-specificity of the cells, they are very difficult to control and have serious problems of tumor formation and producing wrong or non-functioning cells.

Myth #2: Embryonic stem cells hold the key to unlocking cures for hundreds of diseases.
Reality: Embryonic stem cells have not cured a single disease, while adult stem cells have already cured at least 58 diseases.

Myth #3: Adult stem cells are too limited and aren't able to differentiate into various other cells within the body.
Reality: As studies advance, we are finding adult stem cells with pluripotent abilities, capable of forming a wide variety of different tissues. For instance, nasal stem cells were recently used to rebuild the cornea of a patient.

Myth #4: President Bush is impeding vital scientific progress in outlawing embryonic stem cell research.
Reality: Embryonic stem cell research is perfectly legal. In fact, President Bush was the first president to authorize federal funding for this research, and there is no cap on the amount of funding the government is already providing for embryonic stem cell lines developed prior to August 2001. One reason why some scientists are pushing the government to fund embryonic stem cell research is because private investors consider it a poor investment, as it has yielded little promise of any cures. Additionally, some hope to patent a particular embryonic stem cell line. Adult stem cell lines are not patentable.

So, why the hype over embryonic stem cells? Many believe that any issue concerning life and ethics immediately connects it to abortion. Those declaring any procedure or method of inquiry as morally questionable are portrayed as "right-wing, religious radicals" who would impede scientific progress and human freedom. In the war of ideologies, many try to pit the "religious zealots" against the scientists. They are quick to group embryonic stem cell research and adult stem cell research together under the general classification of stem cell research, while avoiding the life or death distinctions associated with the methods of obtaining these cells. The Church is not against stem cell research - adult stem cell research, that is. It is, however, against the destruction of human life required in embryonic stem cell research.

In a recent poll commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) a majority of Americans, 52 percent, oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research while just 36 percent support it. The recent bi-partisan approval of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act in the House, which will establish a network of blood banks to help make umbilical cord blood cells readily available for patients and research, shows that we are on the right path encouraging federal funding for adult stem cell research. However, the passing of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (the Castle Bill), which would boost federal research spending on cells taken from live human embryos, is in opposition to what the American people believe. As we await the reaction from the Senate, it is imperative that we let our Representatives and Senators know that while we support adult stem cell research, we decry any bill that allows for or requires the destruction of human life.

Adult stem cells are achieving significant results and research is broadening our expectations of their capabilities every day. Let's continue to look to the research that is working, that is ethically acceptable, and protects the dignity of the human person. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages, "Let's fund promising medical research that everybody can live with."

- Kimberly Zenarolla is the strategic planning coordinator of the National Pro-Life Action Center on Capital Hill.