When They Say You Say

When they say:
"Embryonic stem cells open up a whole new world of cell, tissue and organ replacement for some of the most significant diseases of our times. We need this research to help many people suffering from terrible illnesses that can be cured."

You say:
"Embryonic stem cell research relies on the destruction of a living member of the human family, an embryo, to obtain the stem cells. Science should not rely on the destruction of human life to obtain advances.

Not a single person in the world has ever received an embryonic stem cell because they grow rapidly and tend to form tumors.

The scientist who first isolated an embryonic stem cell has stated that we are decades away from treatments for human persons and talks about the 'irrational exuberance' of many about the use of these cells.

In a tremendous scientific breakthrough reported in late 2007, scientists in Wisconsin and Japan were able to coax ordinary skin cells into becoming cells that have the same potential as embryonic stem cells to be able to form any cell or tissue in the body. These cells are called iPS cells (induced Pluripotent Stem cells).

Obtaining iPS cells does not involve the destruction of human life. iPS cells are also more practical than embryonic stem cells because an individual can someday receive cells with their own DNA and not have the rejection factor associated with embryonic stem cells.

Even with the discovery of iPS cells, only adult stem cells are safe to use in humans at this time."

When they say:
"There are thousands of frozen embryos that are going to be discarded. Why can't we get some 'good' from them?"

You say:
"It is unethical to destroy the life of one person for the 'potential' benefit of another. Frozen embryos are not routinely discarded as the vast majority of the 400,000 frozen embryos in the United States are being stored for future implantation by the parents. If the family no longer wants them, frozen embryos can be and are adopted by families who will implant them in a recipient mother to allow them to develop and live."

When they say:
"Adult stem cells do not have the same potential as embryonic stem cells; that's why we have to continue and accelerate embryonic stem cell research."

You say:
"All of the treatment success stories for real people with real diseases have come from use of adult stem cells. The score is now 73-0: 73 diseases and conditions improved through use of adult stem cells and 0 through use of embryonic stem cells.

Adult stem cells can be found on almost any part of a person's body, in cord blood normally discarded after the birth of a baby; and in the amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn baby in the womb.

No one has to die to retrieve adult stem cells."

 

This information is courtesy of Wisconsin Right to Life.