In recent months, increased national debate has developed over the issue of embryonic stem cell research.  Over the past decade, developments in the scientific community have demonstrated the astounding promise that stem cell research holds for medicine and the treatment of disease.

First, it’s important to understand a little about the science behind stem cell research.  There are basically two types of human stem cells – adult and embryonic.  Adult stem cells have been used for more than 30 years in procedures such as bone marrow transplants, an important tool in cancer treatment.

In 1998, scientists identified that embryonic stem cells can be transformed into virtually any type of human tissue.  In 2001, President Bush authorized the use of 78 embryonic stem cell “lines” for research.  Unfortunately, the majority of those stem cell lines have not worked out, leaving only about 21 lines available for research.

I recently met with researchers from Johns Hopkins University’s stem cell research program.  They talked at great length about the promise that stem cell research holds and the need to have more embryonic stem cell lines available.  From Parkinson’s disease and diabetes to Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries, the number of diseases that could be affected by stem cell research is truly impressive.

Last year I voted for the bipartisan Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, HR 810, which passed the House and is currently pending before the Senate. Currently, embryonic stem cell research can only be funded with federal dollars if it involves one of the 21 “available lines.”  This legislation would greatly expand stem cell research by making many more “lines” available.

HR 810 also would impose certain restrictions: that lines eligible for federal funding may only be derived from embryos that have been expressly donated and would otherwise be discarded.

Our nation has a great opportunity to lead the world in biological research that could reduce human suffering.  Cell-based therapy represents a new frontier in biological research, and we need to ensure that our nation is able to contribute scientific research to this new field.    

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