Stem Cell Research Gives Life to Medicine
By Isabel Mondejo
Corsair Staff Writer

California residents and researchers are finally getting the big break they were looking for. Gov. Gray Davis on Sept. 22 signed legislation designed to advance the research on all types of stem cells in the state of California. The legislature was first introduced by state Sen. Deborah V. Ortiz.

“This bill does one thing — it offers promise to the 100 million Americans who are struggling with the day-to-day challenges of debilitating and life-threatening diseases,” Ortiz said.

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research reported that scientists believe the embryonic stem cells may hold vast potential in the fight against diseases. The cells, which can replicate themselves indefinitely, may some day be use to grow new tissue that will become the “missing link” needed to cure diseases, conditions, and disabilities affecting more than 128 million Americans. This includes cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

There are countless joyous supporters behind this new bill, including Michael Manganiello, who is president of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research. He voiced his appreciation by stating that, “Gov. Davis has clearly demonstrated his commitment to medical research by signing this new stem cell research bill that could help pave the way to cures for hundreds of Americans suffering from life-threatening illnesses and conditions.” He also added that, “we hope the trail-blazing example California has set will be followed by other states throughout the nation.”

In an L.A. Times report, actor Christopher Reeve, who has been a stem cell research activist since the horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, said he believes the stem cell research could help treat his paralysis. “Since stem cells were fist isolated in 1998, the political debate has had a chilling affect on our scientists,” Reeve said. “Is it painful to contemplate what advances could have been made if the research had not been repressed.”

Reeve is referring to the policy that was established by President Bush in August 2001, when he limited federal funding for the embryonic stem cell research to 64 stem cell lines already in existence, and requested they be listed in an NIH registry. Although the number later increased to 78, scientists say that only a certain percentage is actually useful for research. And that is not enough.

White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said that “the president has always said states have authority within their states.” He later added, “the president thinks that all policies—state or federal—need to promote a culture that respects life and in that, he does differ from what California and the governor there have done.” This argument given by the President leads to the question of whether he will agree with the bill. Most likely, he would if the life of one of his loved ones depends on the stem cell research.

Ortiz wrote that the bill will specifically allow embryonic stem cell research, and allows for both the destruction and donation embryos. The bill also requires fertility clinics that do in-vitro fertilization procedures to inform women that they have the option to donate discarded embryos to research, requiring written consent, as well as a ban on the sale of embryos.

Steve Maviglio, a spokesman for the governor said, “We’d like to encourage Washington to stop playing politics and support this research.” Davis himself said, “With world-class universities, top-flight researchers and thriving biochemist industry, California is perfectly positioned to be a world leader in this area. I am determined to keep California at the forefront of medical research and scientific innovation.”

Many scientists who had given up on their fields in fear that the government would ban the research are anxious to once again get their feet wet. The Washington Post also reported that Davis is expected to send out a letter to 10,000 scientists inviting them to submit research proposals.

“With the governor’s signature, California’s scientists community can now move forward,” said Ortiz. “Our federal government is at an impasse and there is no time to waste. The stakes are nothing less than saving millions of lives.”

This bill has given a new beginning for stem cell researchers and a new hope for those fighting against diseases.