Health

Debate on Stem Cell Research Renewed

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 31, 2002 / 8:40 AM EST / CBS

In one of those decisions that reaches far into the brave new world of medical and ethical uncertainty, the Clinton Administration today authorized federal spending to study unique cells found in the human embryo that may hold the answer to dozens of serious diseases.

These amazing "stem" cells are building blocks that scientists hope can cure major illnesses like the diabetes that requires four-year-old Jamie Langbein to insulin daily.

"We could avoid going through 10 to 12 finger sticks a day to test her blood sugar," says Jamie's mother, Lynn Langbein.

Stem cell research is not new, explains CBS News Medical Consultant Dr. Bernadine Healy, American Red Cross President. "What is new here," she says, "is that for the first time ever the federal government has sanctioned the use of living human embryos grown in the laboratory as a source of stem cells for scientists. Up until today, this was taboo."

The research holds promise for many diseases -- "everything from birth defects to Parkinson's to Alzheimer's to diabetes," according to President Clinton, who called the cells' potential "breathtaking."

But the issue is still very controversial. Abortion rights foes argue that taking cells from an embryo is both wrong and illegal.

"This research involves crossing the line and taking the life of individual members of the human family in order to support scientific research," the National Right to Life Committee's Douglas Johnson.

To try to head off criticism, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) imposed stringent guidelines on any stem cell research, designed to prevent any commercial exploitation. Only embryos due to be discarded by fertility clinics after in vitro fertilization can be used in research, and no payments can be made to the embryo donors.

"These cells come from embryos that would otherwise be discarded. And our moral imperative is to make use of them to try to treat real human beings who are our loved ones," says Dr. Harold Varmus, former director of the NIH.

It is a politically as well as ethically charged issue. Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore favors such experiments, while Republican George W. Bush is opposed. Abortion foes have various ways to attack the plan, in the courts and in Congress, before the government authorizes the first stem cell experiments some time next year.