"Killing Two Babies with One Stone": A Potential Challenge to Amniotic Stem Cell Research

Researchers announced recently that the future of stem cell research might include harvesting stem cells from amniotic fluid, rather than discarded embryos. While amniotic-derived stem (AFS) cells appear not to have the same level of "versatility" as embryonic stems cells, researchers agree that AFS cells might serve ninety-nine percent of the population with viable transplant options, while providing a solid basis for many of the same research possibilities.

Not everyone is happy with the findings, however.

Thousands of out-of-work farmers across the country view amniotic stem cell research as the major hindrance to an emerging industry that promises to reinvigorate the US market. Many are arguing that embryo harvesting, or "Baby Farming," as many are calling it, has the potential to put much of the devastated agricultural sector back to work.

"Its not quite like those Cabbage Patch Dolls," said Mike Gary, a Nebraska farmer,"We can't just plant baby-seeds and then watch their cute little bald heads pop up out of the ground. It more complex than that."

More complex, yes, but the idea is basically the same. The actual process of "Baby Farming" is a closely-guarded, industry secret, but it does appear that a popular toy from the 80's has influenced scientific reality. Very soon we could be seeing long rows of embryos growing next to rows of corn, soybeans and potatoes.

Standing in the way of Baby Farming is the amniotic stem cell lobby. As long as AFS cells seem to offer comparable research opportunities, embryonic stem cells have to take a second-seat.

"We have all this land just sitting around," Gary complained, "Why can't we kill two babies with one stone?" It makes sense. Growing embryos on abandoned farmland puts money in American pockets; and if we can cure cancer, or allow some Hollywood wife to live forever - well, that is just gravy on top.

Scientists argue that embryonic stem cells present the best opportunity for finding cures to certain diseases. Last week the newly inaugurated, Democratically controlled House of Representatives agreed.

Passing the DeGette-Castle bill with 253 votes, the House authorized an extension of embryonic stem cell research to include new stem cell lines, which would be created using embryos discarded from fertility clinics. Previous Federal regulations limited stem cell research to cell lines that existed prior to the legislation, effectively prohibiting the creation of new cell lines.

"Baby Farming is going to happen," Gary asserted. "America has always been a forward-looking country. We are always ahead of everybody else when it comes to industry and technology, and it's time that we set an example in farming embryos too. If we can get a jump on the market now, everyone will be buying their babies from us."

Many farmers share Mike Gary's enthusiasm. There is even talk of expanding "Baby Farming" beyond the realm of embryonic stem cell research. Some envision putting an end to the ordeal and expense of adoption by giving families the ability to pick-out their baby from a line-up, much like children did with their Cabbage Patch Dolls in the 80's. Again science mirrors fiction.

My only question is: Will they offer an "Organic" option?