Science - Issues and Positions

Human Stem Cell Research

Human embryonic stem cells are “master cells,” able to develop into almost any cell in the human body.  Building on earlier stem cell research in 1998, researchers at the University of Wisconsin isolated cells from the inner cell mass of the early human embryo, called the blastocyst, and developed the first human embryonic stem cell lines. Research has focused on the potential that these cells can offer to treat or mitigate diseases and conditions and to generate replacement tissues for disfunctioning cells or organs.  Research efforts have focused on spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and other diseases or conditions. Scientists hope to use specialized cells to replace dysfunctional cells in the brain, spinal cord, pancreas, and other organs.  The sources for stem cells include: (1) one week old embryos (blastocysts) created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) to treat infertility, (2) five to nine week old embryos or fetuses obtained through elective abortion, (3) embryos created through IVF for research purposes, (4) embryos created through cloning or somatic cell nuclear transfer, and; (5) adult tissues (umbilical cord blood, bone marrow).

Controversy surrounds the derivation of stem cells from human embryos and fetuses. In order to derive or extract the stem cells found within the embryo, the embryo is destroyed in the removal process.  The earliest embryonic stem cells are called totipotent cells, which means they can develop into an entire organism, producing both the embryo and tissues required to support it in the uterus. At a later stage of development, pluripotent embryonic stem cells exist and can develop into almost any type of cell in the body. These stem cells cannot form the supporting tissues, as seen with totipotent cells.  Human embryonic stem cells found in the early stage embryo are believed to have a greater ability to become different types of body cells and have more uses than adult stem cells.

Congressman Fattah is not supportive of the cloning of humans.  Nevertheless, the Congressman is supportive of therapeutic cloning, such as stem cell research, which would help medical and research doctors find cures for serious illnesses.  Many doctors, both practitioners and researchers, believe that research into stem cells has immense potential to cure some of humanity's most devastating illnesses, from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.  Congressman Fattah believes it is our responsibility to ensure the health, safety, and prosperity of our world by researching and finding ways to eliminate diseases that threaten our survival.