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Human Cloning and Stem Cell Research
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The stem cell issue raises fundamental moral and legal
issues related to the sanctity of human life. Many researchers believe that "stem cells" - cells that have the
potential to become any kind of cell in the body - could some day be used to cure numerous diseases, such as
Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis. Stem cells could be manipulated to grow into certain kinds of
tissue, then transplanted to replace damaged or diseased tissue. Yet treating the millions affected by these diseases
would require a vast supply of stem cells. |
| Two highly controversial sources of stem cells have been suggested: human embryos and clones. Stem
cells could be harvested from "unwanted" embryos created during in-vitro fertilization and other infertility
treatments, or from cloned embryos created for the purpose of harvesting their stem cells. Either way, a living,
human embryo is killed in the process. Proponents of cloning have attempted to cloud this fact by making a
distinction between "reproductive cloning" and so-called "therapeutic cloning." In fact the process used is the
same, the only difference is whether the created clone is allowed to grow or killed for its stem cells. |
| But a third option exists: even fully grown humans have stem cells that have virtually the same potential as
embryonic cells. These "adult" stem cells are already being used to treat diseases without the risk of tissue
rejection and most importantly, without any ethical problems. Although to date unproven, embryonic stem cell research
has been trumpeted by the media and proponents of unrestricted research as the sole promise for the millions suffering
from incurable diseases while less attention has been paid to the countless embryos that would be killed in the
process. |
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STEM CELL RESEARCH RESOURCES
Congressional Testimony before the Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee of the House
Government Reform Committee, July 17, 2001
Nightlight Christian Adoptions v. Tommy G. Thompson
CLS suit opposing NIH Guidelines allowing use of federal funds for stem cell research. Suit was resolved after
President Bush's policy announcement in August of 2001.
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