A set back for Research

Embryonic stem cell research offers a huge potential to cure a host of diseases including, yet not limited to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. President Bush cut federal funding for this research, thus the advancements that would have been possible did not take place and were not successful, or delayed because lack of money. Pluripotent stem cells, which is just another word for embryonic represent hope for millions of Americans. This research is still in its begining stages, and practical application will only be reached through additional study and research. Scientists need to understand the intricate inner workings of the human body, and to do so, they need resources such as excellent facilities, state of the art equipment, not to mention a large number of embryonic stem cell lines. Nancy Reagan, widow of former president Ronald Reagan gave a speech to congress concerning embryonic stem cell research. She said that there can be no forward advancement under Bush’s decision. Many scientists, patient advocacy groups, politicians and others say that stem cell research can never live up to its promise if the funding restriction is not lifted. Stem cell researchers and advocates for people who hope to benefit from the research say federal funding could speed the development of therapies and keep the United States at the forefront of a medical field it pioneered. Currently, funding for stem cell research is done privately, there were no federal funds to help further the research.