The real debate:  ESCR funding

The political debate regarding federal funding of ESCR

Embryonic stem cell research began over twenty years ago when the first embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were isolated from mice. Scientists claimed that unprecedented advances would result from this discovery. Since then, large sources of funding were sought from both private and public sources. After the first human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were isolated in 1999, scientists became even more demanding.

Federal funds may not be spent on any hESC lines that result in the death of new human life after August 19, 2001. As with every scientific advancement, it is vitally important that our Government ensure that the policies we fund are not only clinically effective, but most importantly, morally sound.

In an attempt to respect the sanctity of human life-even at its earliest stages and also allow for scientific study, President Bush struck a compromise that would allow federal funding on hESC lines that were created prior to August 19, 2001.

This is a very important decision should not be seen as a rejection of science, or disrespect for human life. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In order to ensure that there would be no incentives for future destruction of human life simply for research, federal funds may not be spent on any hESC lines that result in the death of new human life after August 19, 2001. At the same time, successful adult stem cell research is still eligible for federal funding.

Science is not being rejected, it is just given ethical parameters within which to operate. Tax payers should not be forced to pay for research that destroys human life.

Congress has repeatedly sought federal funding for ineffective and destructive ESCR. Fortunately, President Bush has continued to veto those attempts while making it clear that he supports successful adult stem cell research. To review some of the alternatives his office is advancing, please look at the Presidential Report from January 2007, Advancing Stem Cell Research without Destroying Human Life.Science is not being rejected, it is just given ethical parameters within which to operate.

Private Funding becoming scarce

President Bush is not alone in recognizing the ineffectiveness of hESCR. Even private companies are pulling back from investing money in hESCR. Clinical trials with hESCR are decades away at best and therefore not a profitable investment for businesses.

William Haseltine, CEO of Human Genome Sciences, Inc., of Rockville, Maryland, made an interesting statement in this regard, despite the fact that he advocates heavily for ESCR. He said, "The routine utilization of human embryonic stem cells for medicine is 20 to 30 years hence. The timeline to commercialization is so long that I simply would not invest." Willaim Haseltine, CEO of Human Genome Science, Inc "The routine utilization of human embryonic stem cells for medicine is 20 to 30 years hence. The timeline to commercialization is so long that I simply would not invest.You may notice that our company has not made such investments."

Despite the fact that this research is decades away, there are still a number of non-profit organizations that are advocating for hESCR, in particular the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research. We urge you to let these organizations know that you oppose their support for destructive ineffective research.

New Battle Ground: State Legislatures

While we can be grateful that President Bush has held the line in stopping federal funding for destructive ESCR, taxpayers are still being bullied into paying for this ineffective and unethical research.

Several states have bowed to the pressure of scientist to fund hESCR to the tune of millions of dollars.

Fortunately, Minnesota has not yet given in to this unethical demand, but there are aggressive attempts to allow state tax dollars to fund destructive ESCR at the University of Minnesota.

Scientists at the university are not shy in expressing their intentions. In testimony before a State Senate Committee, Dr. Meri Firpo, who has developed several hESC lines from embryos she has personally destroyed, testified that she wants state funding for her research so she can spend more time in the lab and less time trying to raise money. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all ask the Government to pick up the tab for us to do what we want!

To date pro-lifers have been successful in stopping efforts to allow state funding for ESCR at the U, but this battle continues. Please let your legislators know that you oppose this research.