Title: STEM CELL RESEARCH
1STEM CELL RESEARCH
2Outline of This Presentation
- Stem cell research
- The nature and promise of stem cell research
- The ethical debate
- Funding and regulation
- How can I become an advocate?
3What Are Stem Cells?
- Stem cells are the raw material from which all of
the bodys mature, differentiated cells are made.
Stem cells give rise to brain cells, nerve
cells, heart cells, pancreatic cells, etc.
4Whats So Special About Stem Cells?
- They have the potential to replace cell tissue
that has been damaged or destroyed by severe
illnesses. - They can replicate themselves over and over for a
very long time. - Understanding how stem cells develop into healthy
and diseased cells will assist the search for
cures.
5Two Kinds of Stem Cells
- Embryonic (also called pluripotent) stem
cells are capable of developing into all the cell
types of the body. - Adult stem cells are less versatile and more
difficult to identify, isolate, and purify.
6Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers extract stem cells from a 5-7 days
old blastocyst.
Stem cells can divide in culture to form more of
their own kind, thereby creating a stem cell
line.
The research aims to induce these cells to
generate healthy tissue needed by patients.
7Two Sources of Embryonic Stem Cells
- 1. Excess fertilized eggs from IVF (in-vitro
fertilization) clinics - 2. Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear
transfer)
8- Tens of thousands of frozen embryos are routinely
destroyed when couples finish their treatment. - These surplus embryos can be used to produce
stem cells. - Regenerative medical research aims to develop
these cells into new, healthy tissue to heal
severe illnesses.
9- Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
- The nucleus of a donated egg is removed and
replaced with the nucleus of a mature, "somatic
cell" (a skin cell, for example). - No sperm is involved in this process, and no
embryo is created to be implanted in a womans
womb. - The resulting stem cells can potentially develop
into specialized cells that are useful for
treating severe illnesses.
10The Ethical Debate
- In favor of ESCR
- Embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) fulfills the
ethical obligation to alleviate human suffering. - Since excess IVF embryos will be discarded
anyway, isnt it better that they be used in
valuable research? - SCNT (Therapeutic Cloning) produces cells in a
petri dish, not a pregnancy. - Against ESCR
- In ESCR, stem cells are taken from a human
blastocyst, which is then destroyed. This
amounts to murder. - There is a risk of commercial exploitation of
the human participants in ESCR. - Slippery slope argument ESCR will lead to
reproductive cloning.
11Key Ethical Issues
- The blastocyst used in stem cell research is
microscopically small and has no nervous system.
Does it count as a person who has a right to
life? - What do various religions say about when
personhood begins? Does science have a view on
this? - In a society where citizens hold diverse
religious views, how can we democratically make
humane public policy?
12Funding and Regulation of Stem Cell Research
- Federal
- State
- International
- At all three levels of government, the future of
stem cell research is insecure. The research is
strongly supported by scientists and very much
needed by patients. - On the other hand those who oppose the research
are well-funded and determined to legislate it
out of existence. -
13Federal Legislation
- Government funding is prohibited for research
using cell lines developed after Aug 9, 2001. - Efforts to regulate the research are currently
stalemated in Washington.
14State Legislation
- In 2003 there were 71 bills in 29 states
- Legislation supporting therapeutic cloning
research has been passed in California and New
Jersey. - If it passes in November 2004, the California
Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative will
provide 3 billion over 10 years.
15International Legislation
- Embryonic Stem cell research is highly
controversial not only in the United States but
worldwide. -
- In the past two years, many nations have begun to
tolerate, if not to support, the research. - In the fall of 2004, the United Nations will
consider enacting a global ban on both
therapeutic and reproductive cloning.
16Stem Cell Research Worldwide
17United Nations
- In November 2003, a committee of the General
Assembly defeated by only one vote a proposal to
ban therapeutic cloning research. The United
States delegation strongly supported this
proposal. - In September 2004, the General Assembly will
again consider the proposal to ban the research.
18What can I do?
- BECOME INFORMED! Learn the facts about stem cell
research and its curative potential. - Coalition for the Advancement of Medical
Research - www.stemcellfunding.org
- Stem Cell Action Network (Education
Page)www.stemcellaction.org
19Inform Others
- Contact patient and community groups and offer
to give a presentation like this one. Organize a
house party to help spread the word. - Offer to help someone else give this
presentation. - Collect email addresses of supporters to be added
to SCANs mailing list. SCAN will send out news
bulletins and action alerts about pending
legislation.
20Inform Others (contd)
- Arrange to meet with your political
representatives to discuss their support for stem
cell research. -
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.
- Find other like-minded people and work together.
Invite friends, colleagues, and caretakers of
patients to become involved.
21BE SEEN!BE HEARD!BE IMPATIENT!