Leading research experts urged Congress today not to close off any avenue for stem cell experimentation. The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held the hearing in anticipation of legislation being prepared by Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and Michael Castle, R-Del., that would lift the federal ban on funding for new lines of embryonic stem cells, and create an ethical oversight mechanism for all research in the area. Recent developments using adult stem cells have brought calls to substitute adult stem cell research for work using embryonic stem cells. Democrats on the panel blamed the Bush administration for limiting research on embryonic stem cells. A 2001 executive order limited research to existing stem cell lines, lines scientists say are wearing out and are not always as good as new embryonic stem cells would be. But opponents of embryonic stem cell research say the embryo has to be destroyed in the process and that destroys human life.
Stem cells can transform into many different types of cells, leading to the possibility of research that could find cures for many types of diseases. DeGette said her 14-year-old daughter is a diabetic, and she does not care if a cure for that disease comes from embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells or some other source. Democrats apparently were looking to create a record and set a framework for a new president in January who could reverse Bush on stem cell research. "The fact is Americans want stem cell science to advance," said House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., who state has forged ahead with stem cell research in the absence of federal funding. "They want us as legislators to do everything we can to help unlock the potential of embryonic stem cells in the quickest fashion possible and bring new life saving therapies to the patients who need them."
House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee ranking member Nathan Deal, R-Ga., expressed the view of many opponents of embryonic stem cell research by pointing to advances in adult stem cell science. "Adult stem cell research has resulted in many discoveries," Deal said. "We must consider whether we should take funding away from other research that has shown promise." But the scientists, including National Institutes of Health Director Elias Zerhouni, suggested that one type of research should not obscure others. "From a purely scientific view, it is essential to pursue all types of stem cell research simultaneously, including [human embryonic stem cell] research, since we cannot predict which type of stem cell will lead to the best possible therapeutic application."
This article appeared in the Saturday, May 10, 2008 edition of National Journal Daily.
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