Perhaps you have heard that Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth of Federal District Court of the Washington D.C. has put the brakes on stem cell aid?  Many thought that after President Obama gave the nod in 2009 for stem cell research expansion, that it was a “done- deal”.  Apparently not.

The judge has objected in his temporary injunction that federal policy should return to the “status quo”, though few know what that actually is.  Mr. Lamberth objects to the use of frozen embryos for research.

Scientists are unsure whether the ruling is limited to the use of government funds but that research may continue if funded privately.  Others wonder if the ruling specifies the cessation of research.

With all the controversy surrounding stem cells you may have missed hearing about many of the health benefits or that it currently  has many uses for treating serious diseases. In addition, stem cells may be used for tissue replacement. Tragically, many people die today while waiting for organ or tissue transplants.

Ailments that Stem Cells have been shown to help:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Type I diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Burn victims
  • Cardiovascular diseases
The possibility to reverse disease has been explored with rejuvenating cardiac tissue in those suffering from heart attacks or cardiac damage. Think of replacing brain cells in Parkinson’s disease or senility!
The exciting possibilities are endless!
Yet we may not get to see the benefits.  Stem cells can be derived from other sources like umbilical cord blood.  Let us not forget this.
Also ask yourself, with the thousands of frozen embryos no longer being used, what will actually become of them if they are not being used?  How long will we be responsible for keeping them in limbo?
And by not having the benefits that the stem cells would provide, at what cost will this be?