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NELSON BILL SUPPORTS
ADULT STEM CELL RESEARCH
Nov. 12, 2008 - While President-elect Barack Obama is planning to reverse President Bush’s ban on
Federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, in Texas Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville) has pre-filed
S.B. 73 to create an adult stem cell research program.
Research with stem cells taken from adults avoids the moral problems associated with embryonic stem cell
research which requires the destruction of human embryos. Adult stem cells are obtained from umbilical
cords, bone marrow, skin and other sources. They are obtained with no harm to the donor.
Dr. Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life notes that treatment with adult stem cells
“have already saved thousands of lives."
According to the Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics at least 73 different diseases have been
successfully treated with adult stem cells. These include various kinds of cancer including, brain, ovarian,
breast and skin cancer as well as several forms of leukemia. In addition, adult cells are being used to repair
damaged hearts, treat sickle cell anemia and liver diseases including cirrhosis.
By contrast, no diseases have been successfully treated with embryonic stem cells. Despite the lack of any
results and despite the record of successes with adult stem cells, advocates of embryonic stem cell research
continue to press for federal funds.
ADULT STEM CELL RESEARCH
Nov. 12, 2008 - While President-elect Barack Obama is planning to reverse President Bush’s ban on
Federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, in Texas Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville) has pre-filed
S.B. 73 to create an adult stem cell research program.
Research with stem cells taken from adults avoids the moral problems associated with embryonic stem cell
research which requires the destruction of human embryos. Adult stem cells are obtained from umbilical
cords, bone marrow, skin and other sources. They are obtained with no harm to the donor.
Dr. Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life notes that treatment with adult stem cells
“have already saved thousands of lives."
According to the Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics at least 73 different diseases have been
successfully treated with adult stem cells. These include various kinds of cancer including, brain, ovarian,
breast and skin cancer as well as several forms of leukemia. In addition, adult cells are being used to repair
damaged hearts, treat sickle cell anemia and liver diseases including cirrhosis.
By contrast, no diseases have been successfully treated with embryonic stem cells. Despite the lack of any
results and despite the record of successes with adult stem cells, advocates of embryonic stem cell research
continue to press for federal funds.