President George Bush used his very first veto since taking office six years ago to veto a very important stem cell bill that could have opened up federal funding for stem cell research. Many politicians against embryonic stem cell research are unable to explain why they are not also against in-vitro fertilization. Both embryonic stem cell research and in-vitro fertilization require the destruction of embryos. The Media Cynic reports that most people are in favor of embryonic stem cell research.
Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans want federal funding for stem cell research and they want it now, not later. But President Bush appears determined to make sure that America falls behind the rest of the world in scientific advances. Japan, for one, is already way ahead of us on this issue which could potentially provide a cure for diabetes, some cancers, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The Media Cynic also provided a link to a good Chicago Tribunearticle that debunks the idea that adult stem cells are as good as embryonic stem cells. The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Lab at UW Madison says embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat or cure diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries and burns. A faq on their site also says the research will also be useful discovering new drugs.
