Stem cell research has the potential to provide cures for numerous diseases, which is why it should be federally funded. Unfortunately, the occurrence of cancer, heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, muscular dystrophy and more is all too common. In order to try and create treatments for these illnesses, extensive research needs to be done on stem cells. An issue with stem cell research is that it is expensive and time-consuming. However, if scientists had a consistent supply of money to use for their research, progress could be made faster. According to Dan Kaufman, M.D., PhD, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology, Oncology at the University of Minnesota: “None of this can happen without money…You can have all the embryonic stem cell lines in the world available to use, but if the funds aren’t there, then it doesn’t matter.”
Federally funding stem cell research can help save lives; there are many benefits to reap from stem cell research. Although some people are concerned that it may be unsafe or unethical, their fears can be calmed by the fact that NIH will be creating new guidelines. President Obama claims: “The majority of Americans—from across the political spectrum and from of all backgrounds and beliefs—have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research, that the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight the perils can be avoided." According to a recent poll, 67% of the registered voters approved of President Obama providing federal funding for stem cell research. President Obama is opening more stem cell research lines with the new NIH guidelines. With more lines to work on, researchers will have more opportunities to create stem cell treatments.
Governmental federal funding of stem cell research will enhance the safety, effectiveness, and progression of stem cell research. There are also nonprofit organizations that support and donate to stem cell research. If you want to get involved with stem cell research, or find out more information, look at some of the sites listed and described below.
•International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR): http://www.isscr.org/about/index.htm
•Research!America provides ways to advocate and take action for stem cell research, along with polls in different states, stem cell research initiatives, legislation, and additional information: http://www.researchamerica.org/stemcell_issue?gclid=CJSyqNbK354CFQQMDQodJErUMw
•Stem Cell Resources provides a list of numerous organizations that are part of stem cell research. “The organizations listed below provide valuable educational information regarding the developments, applications, and ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells”: http://www.stemcellresources.org/who_orgs.html
•UW-Madison’s Student Society for Stem Cell Research: meets every other Wednesday night at the Genetics/Biotechnology building on University. For more information e-mail: ssscr.wisc@gmail.com
