Foes of stem cell research now face tough battle

[babylonsister]

:fistbump:

Foes of stem cell research now face tough battle

By KEVIN FREKING
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- When the Bush presidency ends, opponents of embryonic stem cell research will face a new political reality that many feel powerless to stop.

President-elect Barack Obama is expected to lift restrictions on federal money for such research. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also has expressed interest in going ahead with legislation in the first 100 days of the new Congress if it still is necessary to set up a regulatory framework.

"We may lose it, but we're going to continually fight it and offer the ethical alternative," said Rep. Joe Pitts, R-Pa. "I don't know what the votes will be in the new Congress ... but it's very possible we could lose this thing."

Stem cells are the building blocks that turn into different kinds of tissue. Embryonic stem cells,e unlike more mature versions, are blank slates. If scientists could control them, they could direct regenerative therapy, perhaps allowing a diabetic's pancreas to begin produce insulin, for example.

Harvesting stem cells from four- or five-day-old embryos kills the embryo, which outrages opponents of this type of research. But supporters say hundreds of thousands of embryos stored in fertility clinics eventually will be destroyed anyway and that people should be allowed to donate them for research that could help others.

more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STEM_CELLS_CONGRESS?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[ruggerson]

1. thank god

so to speak :)

[babylonsister]

2. I know-finally!-I'm thrilled! nt