Sunday, July 17, 2005

Why We Need Stem Cell Research

The above link will take you to a partial list of diseases that researchers believe can be treated by treatments from stem cell research. I say partial because due to the limitations placed on the research by the Bush administration we don't know the full impact yet.

Among the list are the following diseases:
Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Rett Syndrome, Type 1 Diabetes, Leukemia.

What do they have in common? They affect children. When President Bush and his supporters talk about potential for life in frozen embryos they forget the potential for saving lives that these stem cells contain. Let's be clear, we're talking about using embryos that are going to be destroyed, literally thrown out with the trash. These cells have the potential for saving the lives on countless children. Children who aren't potential life, but are actually alive, isn't that what a "culture of life" should be about?

And for the record, House Bill 810 which would amend the law to allow for funding stem cell research at the federal level passed with broad bipartisan support. Just not the support of Rep. Chocola (R-himself.)

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