By PAT KLEINRICHERT
August 23, 2008 12:00 am The discussion of embryonic stem cell experimentation continues to generate a lot of heat while spreading far too little light. It bears repeating that adult, not embryonic, stem cell research is yielding amazing results. There are currently at least 73 diseases being treated as a result of adult stem cell research. This list includes cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, corneal regeneration, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries, to name but a few. A recent editorial claimed that not doing "life-changing research" is a "real sin" committed by those opposed to ESCR. In case you are unclear about how terrible a group these people are, the editorial was clear: it is the "religious right" who will not "put the life of a quadriplegic over the fate of an abandoned embryo headed for a landfill." As it turns out, ESCR opponents are actually quite pleased that adult stem cells are already treating spinal cord injuries. And if we are going to debate who is sinning, could I make the argument that the finger should be pointed at those who are wasting millions of dollars on research that has yielded no results and healed no diseases. Meanwhile, adult stem cells are making incredible headway in the real world. That same editorial promoted an either/or fallacy floating around: someone is either in favor of an "abandoned embryo that is headed for a Dumpster" or is in favor of "the lives of untold thousands of people hoping desperately for cures of all kinds." Do these two goals really have to be at odds with each other? Can't someone try to stop the tragedy of Dumpsters full of abandoned embryos -- an image which should give us all pause -- while still trying to fight for the thousands desperately seeking cures? Of course we can. It's happening right now with adult stem cells. Don't take my world for it. If you are interested in what is happening in this area, visit www.stemcellresearchcures.com. A recent survey by the Ethics and Public Policy Center (www.thenewatlantis.com) showed how misinformed people have become about this issue. Fifty-nine percent professed to be totally familiar with stem cell research, and yet 40 percent of them claimed, incorrectly, that embryonic stem cells have yielded therapeutic results. As for the bill that will be on the ballot in November, read the fine print carefully. The proposal does not change the law on human cloning, but some other proposed bills are in the process of doing so. Proponents claim research will be done in accordance with state and local laws, but also allows for research permitted under federal law. And when federal law allows what state and local laws do not, guess which law takes precedence? If you want to be an informed voter, don't take what any of us say for granted. Do your own research. Meanwhile, we can all be glad that we have doctors and scientists who are already healing the most serious of diseases without needing to venture into such murky ethical territory. About the author: Pat Kleinrichert is president of the board of Grand Traverse Area Right to Life. About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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