April 2009

 

A tough call, but it’s the right answer.

 

Dear Friends,

It’s nearly as controversial as abortion, and in fact, some people see it in the same light. It’s embryonic stem cell research, and President Obama has now made a major change in the U.S. Government’s policy toward it. He issued an Executive Order reversing President George W. Bush’s decision to limit government funding for embryonic stem cell research, a decision that has had the effect of limiting stem cell research overall. According to researchers, President Obama’s move increases the possibilities for new treatments — even cures — for spinal cord injuries and such terrible diseases as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Why Stem Cell Research is Controversial

Currently, most human embryonic stem cell lines used in research are derived from embryos produced to use for in vitro fertilization. Some people are concerned because, in the process of removing cells, the embryo is destroyed, and they view this as the destruction of human life. 

Based on these beliefs, former President Bush limited federal funding for stem cell research during his administration to “existing stem cell lines.”  As a result, only a few human embryonic stem cell lines were eligible for use in federally funded research, which significantly limited the research itself.

Stem cell research supporters, on the other hand, point out that couples hoping to have a child through in vitro fertilization, end up with many more embryos than are needed for the procedure. These unneeded embryos are destroyed—unless they’re donated to research.

The Importance of Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research has showed the promise of unlocking the mysteries of some of the most challenging diseases and chronic conditions. This is important because the research actually helps scientists understand how diseases occur, as well as pointing to potential treatment for patients with these ailments.  Stem cells are also important in testing and screening new drugs, and most importantly, they can actually help generate new cells and tissues for cell-based therapies.  This holds out the possibility of “repaired” organs and glands, and could theoretically eliminate the need for many organ donations.

Setting Ethical Standards

Recognizing the need for all medical research to be ethically and responsibly conducted, the President’s Executive Order directs the National Institutes of Health to develop guidelines within 120 days that establish ethical standards for embryonic stem cell research.  These guidelines will be rigorously enforced, with zero tolerance for misuse or abuse.  Though the President wants to allow scientists the freedom to help patients, he also means to hold them accountable.

Much of the reaction to President Obama’s decision was predictable, yet there were some surprises. The very next day, Harvard University approved a new undergraduate major focusing on stem cells and other related areas of biology.

I believe this decision is the best way forward for your health and mine, and certainly for future generations. You can rest assured that I will be working as hard as I can to see that this important research is adequately funded and fully accessible so the world can realize its benefits.

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

Member of Congress