2008 Election Issues - Stem Cell Research

Includes the candidates views on the federal funding

Cell Research

 

Election 2008

 

Summary
Stem cell research has been heralded by some as one of the most promising areas of biomedical research in human history. Because of the ability of stem cells to replicate and then replace damaged cells there is a general belief that cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Diabetes and eventually the ability to repair damaged muscles, organs & neurological structures could be developed.

What Are They?

"Stem cells are primal cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that retain the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and can differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types." Basically these cells exist in all organisms and can be "programmed" to replace almost all kinds of damaged cells. For instance heart, lung, liver etc.

There are three known types of stem cells embryonic stem cells, derived from blastocysts, adult stem cells, which are found in adult tissues, and cord blood stem cells which are found in the umbilical cord

Why is This Research Controversial/Political?

So far the most promising research is done with embryonic stem cells. The cells cultivated from blastocysts seem almost universally accepted by the body and are the most adaptive. A blastocyst is one of the earliest outcomes of fertilization and is the predecessor of a human child.

Because a blastocyst could develop into a human child many believe using these stem cells is tantamount to destroying human life. These cells are also often collected and disposed of from abortion and infertility, because of this the issue has also been linked to the larger abortion debate.

Those in favor of cell research maintain that these cells would simply be discarded otherwise and should be used for research. Those against embryonic cell research believe this could lead to cultivating or "farming" embryos for research and would encourage the practice of abortion. They maintain these embryos are human life and should not be cultivated or destroyed.

In addition to these objections cell research would almost certainly lead to the cloning of embryonic stem cells. Many believe that allowing humans to become comfortable with the cloning of embryos and embryonic cells will lead us down a path of becoming comfortable with human cloning in general.

Candidate Mitt Romney specifically has cited his awareness of cloning used in embryonic processes as being a key part of his objection with cell research & abortion.

Federal Research

The largest political area of contention is not so much the funding of cell research but using federal funds. On August 9th 2001 President Bush decided to allow the funding of stem cell research in the United States by private companies. He also allowed for federal research to be funded on some embryonic cell lines. He did ban the funding of any research on new embryonic lines by the federal government.

Based on the presidents decision research must meet the following three criteria for federal funding:

  • The derivation process (which begins with the destruction of the embryo) was initiated prior to 9:00 P.M. EDT on August 9, 2001.
  • The stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes and was no longer needed.
  • Informed consent must have been obtained for the donation of the embryo and that donation must not have involved financial inducements. (Source: NIH)

 

This decision has been used to say that President did not ban research and in addition that by allowing the funding on limited cell lines he actually has allowed for more federal funding of embryonic stem cell research then anyone prior.

Many scientists have argued that the lines have deteriorated over time and that more lines must be created for proper research. In addition though many private organizations fund embryonic cell research scientists argue their contributions could not equate what they could receive from the federal government.

When the government funds science it does so with the caveat that this research must be shared with the world. This means that research can be used by corporations and other governments to further their own research creating a system that ultimately benefits all and leads to even further discovery. Private funding on the other hand is often only shared within corporations or small interest groups and creates a slower process of discovery with the world at large. Because of this scientists equate the denial of funds with a limitation on discovery.

Alternatives

Not all those against embryonic cell research are against stem cell research completely. Many would like to see research funded to further adult stem cells. Though scientists have maintained these cells are not as readily adaptable as embryonic cells recent research has shown they just might be.

In addition many states, California & New York amongst them, have begun funding cell research by establishing large research centers. These centers do what the federal government is barred from doing and also create jobs and the potential for future economic growth in these states.

Legislation

The issue was a contentious one in the 2004 elections but has since gained a growing amount of support from Republicans who now see economic development and scientific advancement in this legislation.

Since 2001 the Congress has attempted twice to override the presidents decision and pass legislation that would lift restrictions on embryonic cell research. Bush has vetoed both of those bills making two of the only three vetoes of his presidency on stem-cells.

In 2005 The first bill HR10 passed the house 238-194 & passed the Senate 63-37.

In 2007 the second bill HR464 passed The House 247-176 and the Senate 63-34. President Bush vetoed the bill on June 20th saying:

"If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers -- for the first time in our history -- to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos"

Election 2008

Candidates Statements on The Presidents 2007 Veto

 

Democrats - Hillary Clinton (Voted for it), Chris Dodd (Abstained), Dennis Kucinich (Voted for it), Barack Obama (Voted for it),

Republicans - Sam Brownback (Voted against it), Duncan Hunter (Voted against it), John McCain (Voted for it)

 

Candidates Plans for Stem Cell Research

Information coming soon