An End to the Stem Cell Debate?
There has been a lot of press in the last couple of weeks about the stem cells created from human skin. Some have suggested it could help to end the debate on embryonic stem cell research. Here's why it won't.
It's true this is a very promising area of research. It would, of course, be preferable to use these skin cells rather than embryonic cells. Much research remains to be done on both fronts, however, before scientists can determine the potential benefits of each one. Until that time, both fronts should be pursued. What if we were just to proceed down one path or another for ten years only to find out that it didn't work? That would be tragic and, more importantly for those of us who could be directly impacted, unforgivable.
This is a politically charged issue in the United States. President Bush, with his veto several years ago, has proven that a President does indeed have the power to stymie this research. The religious movement to prevent embryonic stem cell research competes with scientists' attempt to unlock its potential promise. As I've said in previous entries, I say give science a chance. It will give the gift of hope to anyone with multiple sclerosis.