Stem Cell Policy Change Stirs Debate

(CBS)  President Obama will also announce a major change in stem cell policy on Monday. His plan will lift long-standing restrictions imposed by former President Bush. The use of stem cells in research has long been a contentious issue, so no surprise that the change is eliciting lots of reaction on both sides of the debate, reports CBS News correspondent Kimberley Dozier.

Researchers say that cures for everything from Parkinson's to paralysis can be found in human embryos.

But under the Bush administration, scientists could not use federal tax dollars, to test that theory.

On Monday, President Obama will change that, with the stroke of a pen. It's the end of an eight-year battle, for Dr. Irving Weissman of Stanford Medical School.

"For patients, it means that we're free now to study Parkinson's disease. We're free now to study Lou Gerhig's disease," Weissman said.

Embryonic stem cells are the body's shape shifters. Scientists believe they can become any cell in the body - nerve cells to repair a damaged spinal chord, or pancreatic cells to produce enough insulin for diabetics.

Under Bush, that research had to be privately funded, which supporters say slowed it down.

Karl Robb has had Parkinson's since he was 17. He's now 42 - and he's hoping Monday's announcement will speed the research up.

"Chronic illness is a race against time," Robb said. "Everyday, everyday you die a little."

"We just want the scientists to be un-handcuffed," said Robb's wife Angela. "We've been waiting eight years and eight years has been way too long."

The controversy with embryonic stem cells: Harvesting them destroys the embryos. Opponents say that's the same as abortion. They also point out there have been major strides using adult stem cells.

"Using embryos is old science, bad health care," said Dr. David Prentice of the Family Research Council. "It's the adult stem cells that help patients now."

It's not yet clear whether scientists will be allowed to create new embryos, or will be limited to using embryos already created in fertility clinics, and no longer needed.

The Robbs say either way, lifting the ban could help the chronically ill live longer, and better lives.

"Don't we owe them something to provide them whatever resources we can to help with either therapies or a cure for their diseases?" Angela Robb said. "I think we owe them that."

"This is going to allow our best and brightest to do the work that needs to be done that hasn't been done for so long," said Karl Robb.

Discoveries won't be announced overnight. Even after the president signs this order, the National Institutes of Health has to rewrite the guidelines. So it could be up to a year before we see any of this new federally-funded research begin.

[Missyriver]

After reviewing some of the comments I can see that there are alot of difference of opinions. I myself am for stem cell research and know of someone that volunteered to be in the research program for his heart, he received the stem cells in his heart and several years later he is in very good health. W/o the stem cells he would of died. There were 100 people in the study and the last I heard there was one person that it didn't work on and it happen to bet some politican's son and he got the program shut down. I am sure that there were others that it didn't work on, however if it saves several lives then it is worth it. I know that some people think that whatever their pastor saids is the law of God and that is not always right. When people read the bible they have their own interruptation of the bible and it will always be that way. I believe that everyone has to have faith in something.

[fideoo]

wow, people why are you always arguing. i'm 19 years old and i know that if you want respect you should give respect. everyone has different points of view and different resources, you dont know if they are right. just share your point of view, dont offend others. by the way im pro-stem cell research, and i did an investigation that proved that adult stem cells are not better than stem cells. you dont have to believe me, do some research, but use reliable resources, dont just google it or use wikipedia.

[ladypirate2]

heliocrazy: The Holy word of God will never end because we Christians are going to see to it that it doesn't! We are going to keep right on teaching it to our children just as we always have and they will in turn teach it to their children whether you like it or not! We have a right to be here and practice our religion and there is nothing you can do about it! You might as well get used to us because we're not going anywhere until the Lord calls us home and then our children will carry on where we left off unless the rapture happens soon and we are all called to our eternal home. Until then you've got us to contend with like it or not! And, for your information, the Bible has NEVER been proven wrong and never will be! I can tell you what is wrong, though, is the THEORY of evolution! My dictionary defines the word theory as: thought or fancy as opposed to fact or practice. It is the same as hypothesis, principle, doctrine. The theory of evolution is simply Darwin's hypothesis or doctrine and nothing more! It is simply his thoughts and that's all it is. It has NOT been proven and never will be!

[brainteaser2]

"Everyone just seems to overlook the mess that the Clinton administration handed President Bush when he took office. "

And just what was that mess that your hero george bush inherited? I don't recall things being all that bad back in 2000 but they sure have become a mess during the past 8 years.

[honestabe8]

Maybe this administration can bring a more scientific and rational path for our drug policy

[afmcalax]

After wandering through the stupidity desert for 8 years under the most scientifically ignorant presidential regime in history, sound science again is leading American policy once again. America need to be the leader in stem cell research to both retain our leadership in medical science and to provide well paid meaningful jobs for the next generation. Thanks President Obama!!!

[reforrest]

So YOU think that there was only 8 years of incompetence? Lets try about 16 years of incompetence to be fair. Everyone is so quick to blame the Bush administration for the state of our country. Everyone just seems to overlook the mess that the Clinton administration handed President Bush when he took office. That's the problem with people today. Everyone wants to be part of the problem and no one wants to be part of the solution. We have all heard the big promises by politicians and we as a country follow suit and buy into it with no questions asked. Everyone wants change but no one looks at the big picture and just lays blame on the last administration leaving office.

Can we afford to take a "nap" and comeback in a year?



"So YOU thought he was going to come into office and just wipe away 8 years of Incompetence and abuse? LOL Maybe you should take a little map... oh say a year or so and come back then?"

[reforrest]

What do you mean Barack Obama is doing what he promised, Looks to me that he hasn't done anything yet. People are still losing jobs, the economy is still terrible. and Our troops are still not home yet. Is this what he promised? It looks like your "golden child" cant live up to his campaign promises!!!!

[honestabe8]

What if your mother had declared that she "didn't want you?"

THINK would ya?
Posted by WereNotGonnaTakeIt

Okay, WereNotGonnaTakeIt/SinginRick09...or whatever name you want to choose to cover up your history of irrational lthought.

What if? What if your mom said she didn't want you when you were an embryo? You would not know. These are stem cells. Do they have brain function?

[honestabe8]

heliocracy: i prefer to quote bugs bunny and daffy duck for guidance in formulating public policy.

"I don't ask questions, I'm just here to have fun!"
or
"Sure, you're a better man than me, but only 'cause I'm a rabbit!"