Pediatricians Say Funds Are Wasted on Embryo Research and Needed for Adult Stem Cell Research
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The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) called for state and federal funding of adult stem cell research, saying that throwing money at embryo stem cell research is a waste and loss to those who need treatment.
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“Not only does embryonic research require taking the life of human embryos, it also prolong needless suffering by delaying the development of more promising adult stem cell treatments and cures,” stated Dr. Michelle Cretella, spokeswoman for ACP. She explained that non-embryo sources of stem cells such as amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta, and adult blood, fat and various organs have yielded impressive results. Certain forms of cancer therapy now routinely use adult stem cells, Dr. Cretella pointed out.
While adult stem cells have been successfully used to treat spinal cord injury, heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and dozens of other conditions in human trials, “this has not been the case with any embryonic stem cell trial,” the ACP spokeswoman said. “Instead, there have been catastrophic results with these cells producing the wrong tissue, forming tumors and triggering immune rejection.”
“Every dollar spent on the failed and unnecessary process of embryonic stem cell research steals resources away from the established utility and potential of adult stem cell research. This is fiscally irresponsible and medically unconscionable,” Dr. Cretella stated.
Scientist in Brazil found that adult stem cell treatments helped 140f 15 diabetes patients become insulin free. Dr. Richard Burt from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, who worked with the scientist, exclaimed, “It’s the first time in the History of Type 1 diabetes where people have gone with no treatment whatsoever… no medications at all, with normal blood sugars.” This is great news for the millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes.
However, the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “were not interested” in funding this research. Instead they have spent large amounts lobbying Congress to fund embryonic stem cell research.
Source: “Choose Life …,” National Right to Life Committee. 512 10th Street NW, Washington D.C. July-August 2007.
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