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[Photo: Dr. Yorgos Nikas/Photo Researchers, Inc.

The subject of using embryonic stem cells for research has sparked much debate and controversy in the political, religious and social circles of our country.  As a Christian, mother and well-read American I support using embryonic stem cells for research supported by the National Institutes of Health and other scientific groups.

Let me preface all of these remarks by letting you know that recently I was told by another neurologist that I MAY not have Parkinson’s Disease.  Perhaps I have Dystonia, but we’re uncertain at this point in time.  Regardless, I have experienced the physical pain, rigid dystonia, imbalance and frustration that MANY people with Parkinson’s live with each day.  Even if I don’t have PD, I’m still on the band wagon to have the researchers use embryonic stem cells and I support all avenues to find a cure for this disease.  Here are some of my reasons:

* Embryonic stem cells do not have the same DNA structural abnormalities that adult stem cells have.  As we age and are exposed to chemicals, diseases and pollutants, our DNA is altered.  By using the blatocyst cells (cells harvested 5-7 days after conception) scientists will have stem cells free of structural abnormalities.

* Many of the 78 current embryonic stem cell lines cannot be used in humans.  Some were grown on cells of mice and cannot be injected into humans for fear of transmitting diseases.  Others in the current embryonic stem cell lines aren’t of good quality and simply cannot be used.

* Embryonic stem cells are harvested before the cells have even had a chance to differentiate or form human blood, systems or tissue.  They are a mass, as shown above in the picture. The cells have not had a chance to form into any organs, or tissue that form a human being.  In my mind and my heart, these cells are not humans  yet.

* The blatocyst cells are harvested for in-vitro fertilization by couples trying to conceive.  Why is it baby killing to use those cells for research and it’s not baby killing to inject several cells into a uterus knowing that most won’t survive, but hopefully one will?  Are we to condemn infertile couples trying to have a baby by using those cells knowing they will die?  This doesn’t make sense to me.  One decision is a choice, but the other is murder?  Who’s playing God now?

* Adult stem cells develop slowly and are more difficult to isolate.  Embryonic stem cells are easier to differentiate, easier to grow, to isolate, to purify and are easier to manipulate.  In order to transplant cells you need a plentiful amount.  Adult cells take a long time to develop and if a patient has a disease, there is the chance that the adult stem cell cannot be isolated without the disease being present.

* Without the influence of the media or politicians, I have prayerfully considered this topic.  Since blatocyst cells do not have any human characteristics, human organs or human tissues – BUT have the ability to develop into a human, I do not believe that those cells are human babies.  When they are harvested at the 5-7 day stage, they are not humans.

* Many people argue that adult stem cells are better for research because they do not put these moral and religious questions into play.  I disagree.  Blatocyst cells are only harvested when two people consent to do this.  If these two people are informed and agree to donate these cells to research then why is that “more evil” than destoying the thawed out cells by flushing them down the toilet?

* We can, as a nation of responsible Americans make sure that we have measures in place to ensure that “clones” are not produced in the research use of these embryonic stem cells.

* While this is an emotional issue in our country, I still believe that most folks live by the old adage, “It’s wrong until it’s your own ox getting gored.”  As our society ages, let’s see how many pro-life supporters retain their position when it’s their spouse that sits in a wheelchair, drools uncontrollably and cannot recognize them after 25 years of marriage.

* It didn’t take Parkinson’s Disease for me to decide that embryonic stem cell research wasn’t morally or religiously wrong.  I made this decision years ago, long before my ox was gored.