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Woman to woman: New stem cell policy spurs hope

A research specialist carries trays of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Michigan Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich. The University of Michigan announced Monday, March 9 it was launching the state's first major embryonic stem cell research program since Micgigan voters eased restrictions on such work in November 2008. The university unveiled plans the same day President Obama signed an executive order that ends former President George W. Bush's limits on using federal dollars for stem cell research.

A research specialist carries trays of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Michigan Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich. The University of Michigan announced Monday, March 9 it was launching the state's first major embryonic stem cell research program since Micgigan voters eased restrictions on such work in November 2008. The university unveiled plans the same day President Obama signed an executive order that ends former President George W. Bush's limits on using federal dollars for stem cell research.

One could imagine scientists tossing lab coats up in the air as President Obama signed an executive order lifting restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

I believe that all of us will benefit from the gains that are bound to come from this essential position.

Those morally opposed to the use of discarded embryos want cures for diabetes, cancer and heart disease as much as the rest of us.

So they’re putting all their hope in the power of adult stem cell lines, an experiment in wishful thinking.

To be fair, adult stem cells are invaluable in providing blood-replacement treatment. Yet they just don’t provide all the answers – if they did, why would scientists seek out the use of embryonic stem cells? Do we think they have some nefarious, ulterior motive?

The bottom line is that embryonic stem cells have the potential to replace any kind of cell that has been damaged – a flexibility that adult stem cells simply can’t replicate.

That’s why embryonic stem cells are currently being used in a clinical trial to combat spinal cord injuries. (No such trial is being conducted with adult stem cells.)

Those morally opposed to the use of discarded embryos talk of dozens of “cures” that have arisen from the use of adult stem cells, but they’re really talking about helpful treatments, not lifelong, proven solutions.

Scientists around the globe fervently believe that embryonic stem cell research is our best hope of creating better treatments for a variety of conditions.

In fact, they’re more than willing to work with Congress, the National Institutes of Health and others to continue to develop strict and clear guidelines for the usage of these cells.

Today I asked a stem cell researcher how he felt when Obama signed the executive order changing U.S. science policy.

“It was a day of increased hope that we could develop cures,” he told me, adding quickly that this victory doesn’t erase the many political and scientific challenges that face him every day.

So champagne corks popping and cascading lab coats? Not so much.

Yet with a policy in place that gives scientists the tools they need to fight disease, we may one day soon have far more to celebrate.

Andrea Sarvady (w2wcolumn@gmail.com) is a writer and educator specializing in counseling and a married mother of three.

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