Heineman too restrictive on stem cells
It was disappointing to learn that Gov. Dave Heineman has a stem-cell litmus test for anyone interested in replacing David Hergert on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Only those who agree with Heineman’s position need apply.
Heineman believes embryonic stem cell research should be limited to the existing stem cell lines that have been approved for federally funded research by President Bush.
When Bush established the policy, in his first term, it was believed that about 70 stem cell lines were viable for research. Since then, only about a third of the lines have proven usable.
Proponents of embryonic stem-cell research believe the cells have potential to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Research into the possibility of using embryonic stem cells is being conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center using the approved stem-cell lines.
Some states, however, have been more farsighted in their approach. California voters in 2004 approved $3 billion in spending for stem cell research — without the limits under federal policy. The proposition makes available about $300 million a year. The major investment ensures that the state will become a prime center for stem-cell biology.
There are more than 400,000 embryos at fertility clinics that either will be destroyed or kept frozen indefinitely but could be used for stem-cell research.
Stem-cell research has driven a wedge between pro-life advocates. One prime example is Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., a transplant surgeon who announced last year that he would back expanded funding for research.
“I am pro-life. I believe human life begins at conception. I also believe that embryonic stem-cell research should be encouraged and supported,” First said.
A bill for expanded research has passed the House, and debate is expected to begin next week in the Senate. Senate leaders, however, admit they may not have enough votes to overturn Bush’s threatened veto.
Polls show that two-thirds of American generally favor embryonic stem-cell research.
By announcing that his appointee would be required to agree with his position on stem-cell research, Heineman limited the pool of candidates from which he can choose. And Heineman’s criterion also lessens the likelihood that research could be expanded at UNMC if the federal policy also were expanded.
The promise of stem-cell research was shown last month when scientists at Johns Hopkins University announced they had used stem cells to restore the ability to walk in paralyzed rats.
UNMC should be a full partner in this exciting field of research. It’s shortsighted for Heineman to rule out any candidate who wants to pursue ethical expanded embryonic research that may save and enhance lives.
Only those who agree with Heineman’s position need apply.
Heineman believes embryonic stem cell research should be limited to the existing stem cell lines that have been approved for federally funded research by President Bush.
When Bush established the policy, in his first term, it was believed that about 70 stem cell lines were viable for research. Since then, only about a third of the lines have proven usable.
Proponents of embryonic stem-cell research believe the cells have potential to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Research into the possibility of using embryonic stem cells is being conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center using the approved stem-cell lines.
Some states, however, have been more farsighted in their approach. California voters in 2004 approved $3 billion in spending for stem cell research — without the limits under federal policy. The proposition makes available about $300 million a year. The major investment ensures that the state will become a prime center for stem-cell biology.
There are more than 400,000 embryos at fertility clinics that either will be destroyed or kept frozen indefinitely but could be used for stem-cell research.
Stem-cell research has driven a wedge between pro-life advocates. One prime example is Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., a transplant surgeon who announced last year that he would back expanded funding for research.
“I am pro-life. I believe human life begins at conception. I also believe that embryonic stem-cell research should be encouraged and supported,” First said.
A bill for expanded research has passed the House, and debate is expected to begin next week in the Senate. Senate leaders, however, admit they may not have enough votes to overturn Bush’s threatened veto.
Polls show that two-thirds of American generally favor embryonic stem-cell research.
By announcing that his appointee would be required to agree with his position on stem-cell research, Heineman limited the pool of candidates from which he can choose. And Heineman’s criterion also lessens the likelihood that research could be expanded at UNMC if the federal policy also were expanded.
The promise of stem-cell research was shown last month when scientists at Johns Hopkins University announced they had used stem cells to restore the ability to walk in paralyzed rats.
UNMC should be a full partner in this exciting field of research. It’s shortsighted for Heineman to rule out any candidate who wants to pursue ethical expanded embryonic research that may save and enhance lives.
Copyright © 2002-2009 Lincoln Journal Star. All rights reserved.