Study Shows That Embryonic Stem Cells Might Cause Brain Tumors

For those who have spoken out on the evil of embryonic stem cells research this news adds support to the list of reasons to be opposed to it. An article put out by Reuters news service tells of a study published in Nature Medicine that talks of a study done with human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's Disease. These stem cells were treated to make them differentiate into brain cells. They were then injected into the brains of rats who were suffering from a similar disease. While the cells appeared to work at 1st, they began to show areas "of dividing cells that had the potential to give rise to tumors." The rats were killed before it could be seen that tumors were forming. Yet the researchers wants to go on to do trials with humans. With appropriate "cautions" of course.

The trouble with that is that you can't just kill a human being like you can a rat. OOPS!!!, I forgot, you can if that person is an embryo or fetus. & the question I have to ask is what do they consider appropriate?

The article goes on to admit: "Scientists have long feared that human embryonic stem cells could turn into tumors, because of their pliability" Yet, it seems that all I ever hear from those supporting this time of research is that it is this very pliability that offers hope that isn't there in adult stem cells. That they can do so straight faced knowing the truth is amazing. It is also surprizing that the article admitting the potential problems with tumors as well as that scientists have these concerns is surprizing. & then goes on to talk about this being 1 of the concerns of opponants of embryonic stem cell research. The article gives ammo to those who promote adult stem cell research. & support for their concerns.

The reason I say it is amazing is that they even admit to the potential problems. To hear those who support embryonic stem cell research all you ever hear is what I said before, embryonic research is the only hope. They also like to paint those of us who oppose embryonic research as being against all research. That is not true & they know it. As I have already pointed out since when has the truth stopped them from telling a plausable lie to get what they want. I don't think I have to expound on how those actions are morally & ethicly flawed. As are those of the Parkinson's researchers who want to continue their research on humans.

On Mon 16 Oct the Democratic & Republican candidates for the governor of Iowa met in a debate televised on KWQC (there is a link with the article to watch the entire debate). The question of stem cell research came up. In his response to the question Secretary of State Chet Culver (D) totally ignored the successes & said that by banning embryonic stem cell research we were denying people the "hope & opportunity to Iowans" for cures. It sounded to me more like the only person in denial was him. He came accross with a smug look on his face that I guess was supposed to make you think he knew what he was talking about. Maybe he better read an report written by David A. Prentice, Ph.D., Appendix K, Adult Stem Cells. It is from Monitoring Stem Cell Research: A Report of the President's Council on Bioethics (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2004) pp 309-346

In his rebuttal Congressman Jim Nussle (R) answered: "I support stem cell research. But I don't support stem cell research on embryos. There are no facts to support the notion that stem cell research on embryos are developing the therapies of the future." He went on to point out the successes using adult stem cells. (Depending on the source there are from 70 to 80 or more successful treatments out there. Some will provide the evidence of peer review.) He mentioned 2 specific areas where adult stem cell reseach has been successful that are "providing hope, not false hope". Congressman Nussle called for Iowa to develop a "Culture of Life".

This segment of their debate clearly shows the difference between those who are pro-life & those who buy into the culture of death. The culture of death will ignore any facts to the contrary of their positions. They claim to offer hope but only empty promises & death. Pro-life offers true hope for life at all stages. That is why Pro-lifers support adult stem cell research. It works, it offers true hope & it isn't done at the expense of other human beings loosing their lives as fetal & embryonic stem cell research does.

People need to be informed about where those who are running for office stand, federal, state & local, on abortion & fetal stem cell research. Depending on who you vote for you can either advance the culture of death of the Culture of Life. Get informed & vote for those who will best advance the Culture of Life.