Federal Funding Stem Cell Research Would Greatly Increase

December 4, 2001

Federal Funding Stem Cell Research Would Greatly Increase

Magnitude and Quality of Research Generated

Human stem cell research holds enormous potential for contributing to our understanding of fundamental human biology. Although it is not possible to predict the outcomes from basic research, such studies will offer the real possibility of treatments and ultimately cures for many diseases for which adequate therapies do not exist.

The benefits to individuals and to society gained by the introduction of new drugs or medical technologies are difficult to estimate. The introductions of antibiotics and vaccines, for example, have dramatically increased life spans and improved the health of people all over the world (Lecayo). Despite these and other advances in the prevention and treatment of human diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease present continuing challenges to the health and well-being of people everywhere (Lecayo). The development of techniques for culturing human stem cells could lead to unprecedented treatments and even cures for these and other diseases. As with all research, the ability even to contemplate the possibilities offered by stem cell-derived therapies is a result of many years of research.

A stem cell is a primitive type of cell that can be coaxed into developing into most of the 220 types of cells found in the human body, including, blood cells, heart cells, or brain cells (Arnold). Some researchers regard them as having the greatest potential to alleviate human suffering since the invention of antibiotics. Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (Arnold). Eventually, these diseases could be treated more effectively with stem cells, or even cured.

Stem cells can be isolated in different ways. Human embryonic stem cells are believed to be the most beneficial for research (Reno 57). Typically, these are taken from surplus frozen embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization procedures at fertility clinics. Cells are also used from legally aborted fetuses. Recently, it was announced that a laboratory was successful in cloning human embryos. It is also possible for cells to be obtained from adult tissue, without harm to the subject.

Opposition to stem cell research focuses on the belief that human life is being destroyed through their use. Supporters of stem cell research believe that because the cells have not yet differentiated into nerve or organ cells, then a human form has not yet developed and a human life is not destroyed. Opposition to embryonic stem cell research generally supports research on adult stem cells. However, scientists believe there is greater opportunity to cure disease at a faster rate using embryonic versus adult stem cells (Reno 57).

Embryos used to obtain stem cells are most commonly taken from fertility clinics. According to W. Paul Donowski, when a couple undergoes in-vitro fertilization, the woman is given medication that causes her to develop as many as two dozen mature ova. The ova are removed from the female and fertilized, usually with sperm from the husband. Two to five days after fertilization, two to four of the embryos are implanted back into the woman. The remaining embryos are deep frozen in liquid nitrogen for possible future use. Occasionally, a couple will need to go back for a second attempt at pregnancy. In such a case, two to four more embryos will be removed from storage and implanted into the female.

This could still leave as many as sixteen embryos. The frozen embryos are smaller than a pinprick, and have no brain, heart, lungs, nervous systems, or other internal organs (Hall). The embryos do have potential, if implanted in uterus, to grow into fetuses and become newborn babies.

Currently, there is no easy method of disposing of the unneeded embryos. Fertile couples have children of their own and do not need embryos. Infertile couples want the embryos to be developed from their ova and sperm. In cases where only one partner is infertile, most couples want the embryo to be formed with the material of the fertile partner in order for their child to be genetically part of them. In addition, few would accept an embryo formed from strangers’ ovum and sperm.

It is surprising to hear of current practices used in fertility clinics to remove unneeded embryos. According to Hall, some are flushed down the drain of metal sinks; others are placed in biohazard bags to be incinerated by hospital staff. One clinic in the Bay area has a “quiet area” set aside, where frozen embryos are set aside and allowed to live out