The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

COMMENTARY

Post Date: July 29, 2005

Stem Cell Research: Resources for the Ongoing Debate

by Matthew Eppinette

 

On Friday, July 29, 2005, Senator Bill Frist announced his support for expanding federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.1 (CBHD responds here).2 At least six bills to fund stem cell research have been introduced recently into the U.S. Senate, although passage of any is at best uncertain.3, 4 In addition, various states are addressing the issue of stem cell research directly. For example, the governor of Illinois recently signed an executive order allocating $10 million in taxpayer funds to “provide funding for stem cell research that involves adult, cord blood, and embryonic stem cells,”5 a move that CBHD termed “unconscionable.”6 Suffice it to say, stem cell research remains a very important topic in the life of the United States.

In the midst of the important ongoing debate over stem cell research, I would like to bring to your attention a number of excellent resources that are available via the internet. First, here at www.cbhd.org, are the following:

 

In addition, CBHD is involved in a collaborative effort entitled Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics, a partnership of researchers, bioethicists, academics, and others that serves as an information clearinghouse on the ethics and science of stem cell research. The centerpiece of the Coalition’s efforts is the Do No Harm website, www.stemcellresearch.org, which CBHD maintains.

A prominent feature on the homepage is a scoreboard that vividly highlights the fact that while treatments from embryonic stem cell research remain speculative at best, 65 diseases/conditions currently are being treated with non-embryonic or adult stem cells.

Additional www.stemcellresearch.org features include:

These are just a few of the many resources available at www.stemcellresearch.org. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who are part of this coalition and who contribute to this important resource. Please bookmark and visit the site often, as the content is updated frequently. CBHD

1 Bill Frist, “Frist Comments On Stem Cell Research: Floor Statement -- Remarks As Prepared For Delivery,” Office of Senator Bill Frist, July 29, 2005, http://frist.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Speeches.Detail&Speech_id=257 (accessed July 29, 2005).

2 Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, “CBHD Troubled by Frist Announcement Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research,” Press Release, July 29, 2005, http://www.cbhd.org/media/pr/2005-07-29.htm (accessed July 29, 2005).

3 Kaiser Network, “Sen. Coleman Crafting Seventh Embryonic Stem Cell Research-Related Bill; Other Stem Cell Bills Likely Delayed,” Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, July 25, 2005, http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=31594 (accessed July 25, 2005).

4 Sheryl Gay Stolberg, “Stem Cell Bill, Once Seen as a Sure Thing, Is Now Mired in Uncertainty,” The New York Times, July 23, 2005, http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/23/politics/23stem.html (accessed July 25, 2005).

5 Office of the Governor, “Gov. Blagojevich, Comptroller Hynes Announce $10 Million Stem Cell Research Program To Fund Medical Cures,” Press Release, July 12, 2005, http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=4149 (accessed July 25, 2005).

6 The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, “Blagojevich Order Funding Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unconscionable,” Press Release, July 13, 2005, http://www.cbhd.org/media/pr/2005-07-13.htm (accessed July 25, 2005).

Matthew Eppinette,  M.B.A., M.A., is Director of Research and Technology at The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.

Copyright 2005 by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The contents of this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CBHD, its staff, board or supporters. Permission to reprint granted as long as The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity and the web address for this article is referenced.