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Stem Cell Research Daniel Hanison, Carrie Oliver, Dane Livelsberger, Andrew Burks
Danny Shay, Daniel Swingle
Topic
D1. Remove Restrictions on federally-funded embryonic stem cell research OR Authorize federally-funded stem cell research only on adult and cord blood stem cells.
Defn: Stem Cell Research
A current field of research involving the manipulation of adult and embryonic stem cells
Future prospects: solutions to physical trauma, degenerative diseases, and possibly genetic disorders
One of the most controversial issues in modern science
What is a Stem Cell?
Two categories: Embryonic and Adult Unspecialized cells Constantly renew themselves Can develop into entire organs, such as the
brain, heart, lungs, and other vitals Are found in the developing human embryo,
or in certain adult tissues
Embryonic (Fetal) Stem Cells
Found within the first 5 days of human embryonic development
Have the highest potential of all types of stem cells
Do not come from a woman’s body, but from labs
Cells are transferred to another dish
Embryonic (Fetal) Stem Cells (cont.)
Cells will self-replicate and crowd dish Scientists can harvest cells for up to 6
months Researchers will modify the culture’s
surface, composition, and conditions to stimulate differentiation
Cells will become brain, muscle, or organ tissues
Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells
Undifferentiated cells found in a differentiated tissue
Primary purpose is to renew the medium tissues and help support tissue growth
Origins of somatic stem cells still unknown Much harder to force differentiation on than
embryonic stem cells
Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells (cont.)
Have a tendency to differentiate into the host tissue that they were harvested from
Large usage in transplants Blood-forming stem cells have been used in
transplants for 30 years Have less potential, but also less
controversy surrounding the issue
Adult vs. Embryonic
Embryonic Greater potential Higher differentiation
abilities Easily grown in labs and
cultures
Large controversy Expensive in life and
resources
Adult Less controversy Less expensive Can be reintroduced to
host with no organ rejection
Less potential and differentiation ability
Very hard to grow and find
Stem Cell Research and the Presidency
In 1995, Clinton signed the Dickey Amendment into law Dickey Amendment: Prohibits all federal funding for research resulting
in the destruction of an embryo regardless of its origin Clinton would not provide federal funding for research on embryos
created purely for research Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005: to allow federal funding
on stem cells from human embryos created for fertility treatments. Passed in the House by 238 votes to 194 votes (May, 2005). Passed in the Senate by 63 votes to 37 votes (July, 2006). First and only veto by President Bush (July 2006).
Stem Cell Research and the Presidency
“The bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others…it crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect. So I vetoed it” “American taxpayers would, for the first time our history, be compelled to fund the deliberate destruction of human embryos” President Bush
Vote fell short of a two-thirds majority to override the veto Both Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Bill Frist (R-TN) supported the bill while
social conservatives sided with Bush Congress is still trying to provide federal funding but will find this hard with Bush
in office The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (HR3) passed the house by
253 votes to 174. If it passes through Senate (which is likely) then it will be vetoed once again by the President.
Unless there is enough support for a two-thirds majority override then nothing will change until there is a new President.
Proposition 71
Established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicines (CIRM)
Established the constitutional right to conduct stem cell research (NOT human reproductive cloning research)
Authorized the state of California to allocate up to $3 billion over the next 10 years ($350 million annual limit) towards research grants given out through CIRM
CIRM Funding
As of this year, CIRM is the largest funder for stem cell research in the United States and one of the largest in the world
$12.1 million last year for educating 168 college students in the field of stem cell biology
$45 million to 72 two-year grants (February, 2007)
$76 million to 12 four-year grants (March, 2007) The next round of grants is scheduled for
sometime in July and is expected to total to $48.5 million for laboratory space
Advocacy - Supporters
Stem Cell research can lead to treatments and cures for many diseases, cutting health care costs
Proposition 71 prohibits funding for human cloning research in keeping with California law
Proposition 71 will generate thousands of new jobs as well as generate millions of dollars in new state revenue
Main supporter: The Alliance for Stem Cell Research
Advocacy - Opponents
There is already billions of dollars in bond debt, further borrowing is irresponsible
Pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists are using taxpayers to fund the very narrow field of stem cell research
Proposition 71 is a constitutional amendment, making it impossible for the governor or the legislature to control how the money is spent
Main opponent: Doctors, Patients, and Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility
View of scientists
Treatment for Degenerative Diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson
Struggle with balancing ethnical views with scientific views
What cells to use?
Adult vs. embryonic Animal ( mouse) vs. human Affected vs. normal Supernumerary vs. Created
Recent views
“ It is very clear from my point of view that the current cell lines will not be sufficient to do research we want to do…It’s not possible for me to see how we continue the momentum of science and in stem cell research with the lines we currently have.”
-Elias Zerhouni, National Institutive of Health Chief ( March 20,2007)
Common Religious Misconceptions
Adult Stem Cell Research has eliminated the need for embryonic stem cells.
All religious organizations oppose embryonic stem cell and somatic cell nuclear transfer research.
Adult stem cell research makes nuclear transfer research unnecessary.
General Christian Views
Oppose Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Encourages Adult Stem Cell Research
Denominational Beliefs
Interest Groups
Biblical Proof (NIV)
Psalm 139:13 –“For you created my inmost being; you knit me
together in my mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139:16 –“your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days
ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
General Jewish Views
Fully Supports Stem Cell Research
Halakic Doctrine of Pekuach Nefesh
14-Day Embryo is equal to water
Christian Thought: Epikiea
General Islamic Views
Fully Supports Stem Cell Research
Recommends Minimal Use of Embryonic Stem Cells
Obligatory to Pursue Research
Recommends Adult Stem Cells as Primary Vessel
Issue Groups – The Greatest Representatives
Issue Groups – The Greatest Representatives
Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics
Does not support embryonic stem cell research Ends do NOT justify the means
Human embryonic stem cell research violates existing law and policy
Human embryonic stem cell research is unethical Human embryonic stem cell research is scientifically unnecessary
“If anything is to be gained from the cruel atrocities committed against human beings in the last century and a half, it is the lesson
that the utilitarian devaluation of one group of human beings for the alleged benefit of others is a price we simply cannot afford to
pay”
Thank you !
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http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~dlivelsber3/