New Findings in the Stem Cell Research Debate

Scientists have discovered that stem cells found in amniotic fluid that protects and unborn fetus may hold the same regenerative capabilities as found in embryonic stem cells, a controversial issue that formed much of November's state and federal elections that resulted in an Democratic overhaul in both Houses of Congress. For example, in Missouri a state constitutional amendment allowing Missouri researchers the same access to stem cell research allowed under federal law was narrowly passed by voters Nov. 7. Though the ballot issue banned human cloning and attempted cloning as well as imposed criminal and civil penalties for any violations, the amendment drew criticism from right wing "pro-lifers" who believe that using embryonic stem cells from aborted embryos is unethical.

Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill ousted imcumbent Jim Talent in a highly watched race that helped tipped the scales in the Senate. Celebrity Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, campaigned on behalf of McCaskill and in favor of embryonic stem cell research.

Supporters of stem cell research have claimed that embryonic stem cells provide unsurpassed opportunities for the curing of diseases, something that adult stem cell research is uncapable of. Scientists from Wake Forest University and Harvard University have found that amniotic stem cells may be just as useful as embryonic stem cells, but that unlike embryonic stem cells, they can be taken from the fetus without harm to the fetus or mother at any time during pregnancy. They can also be extracted from the placenta after birth. Opponents of stem cell research have emerged in support of these new findings.

"It means that embryos that some researchers have been looking at as just research material might actually provide beneficial stem cells if you let them live and be born," said Richard Doerflinger, a spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Currently, scientists from Wake Forest and Harvard warn that this research is in the very early stages and will not be available for use in a patient for several years.

While it has been known for decades that amniotic fluid contains valuable cells, this is the first time anything remotely conclusive has resulted from the research. Stem cells can grow into any type of body tissue and are used to research cures for many different diseases, including brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and diabetes. The Wake Forest and Harvard researchers were able to turn the amniotic stem cells into cells for fat, bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and the liver. In mice, the researchers used the nerve cells to repair damaged brain tissue and bone cells to fuse into healthy bone.

"These cells are capable of extensive self-renewal, a defining property of stem cells,'' said Dr. Anthony Atala, head of Wake Forest University's regenerative medicine institute. "They also can be used to produce a broad range of cells that may be valuable for therapy.''

In the United States, President George W. Bush has restricted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.