SCAN Stem Cell Action Network

STEM CELL RESEARCH

What You Need To Know
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Outline of This Presentation
Stem cell research

The nature and promise of stem cell
research

The ethical debate

Funding and regulation

How can I become an advocate?

SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the raw material from which
all of the bodys mature, differentiated cells
are made. Stem cells give rise to brain
cells, nerve cells, heart cells, pancreatic
cells, etc.


SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Whats So Special About
Stem Cells?
They have the potential to replace cell tissue that has
been damaged or destroyed by severe illnesses.

They can replicate themselves over and over for a very
long time.

Understanding how stem cells develop into healthy and
diseased cells will assist the search for cures.

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Two Kinds of Stem Cells
Embryonic (also called pluripotent)
stem cells are capable of developing into
all the cell types of the body.

Adult stem cells are less versatile and
more difficult to identify, isolate, and
purify.

SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Embryonic Stem Cells:
Researchers extract stem cells from a 5-7 days old blastocyst.

Stem cells can divide in culture to form more of their own kind,
thereby creating a stem cell line.
The research aims to induce these cells to generate healthy
tissue needed by patients.

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Two Sources of
Embryonic Stem Cells
1. Excess fertilized eggs from IVF (in-vitro
fertilization) clinics

2. Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear
transfer)
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Tens of thousands
of frozen embryos
are routinely
destroyed when
couples finish their
treatment.
These surplus
embryos can be used
to produce stem cells.
Regenerative
medical research
aims to develop these
cells into new, healthy
tissue to heal severe
illnesses.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Somatic Cell Nuclear
Transfer
The nucleus of a donated
egg is removed and
replaced with the nucleus
of a mature, "somatic cell"
(a skin cell, for example).
No sperm is involved in
this process, and no
embryo is created to be
implanted in a womans
womb.
The resulting stem cells
can potentially develop into
specialized cells that are
useful for treating severe
illnesses.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
The Ethical Debate
In favor of ESCR:

Embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) fulfills the ethical obligation to
alleviate human suffering.

Since excess IVF embryos will be discarded anyway, isnt it better that
they be used in valuable research?

SCNT (Therapeutic Cloning) produces cells in a petri dish, not a
pregnancy.

Against ESCR:

In ESCR, stem cells are taken from a human blastocyst, which is then
destroyed. This amounts to murder.

There is a risk of commercial exploitation of the human participants in
ESCR.

Slippery slope argument: ESCR will lead to reproductive cloning.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Key Ethical Issues
The blastocyst used in stem cell research is
microscopically small and has no nervous
system. Does it count as a person who has a
right to life?

What do various religions say about when
personhood begins? Does science have a view
on this?

In a society where citizens hold diverse religious
views, how can we democratically make humane
public policy?
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Funding and Regulation of
Stem Cell Research

Federal
State
International

At all three levels of government, the future of
stem cell research is insecure. The research is
strongly supported by scientists and very much
needed by patients.

On the other hand those who oppose the
research are well-funded and determined to
legislate it out of existence.



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Federal Legislation
Government funding is prohibited for
research using cell lines developed
after Aug 9, 2001.

Efforts to regulate the research are
currently stalemated in Washington.


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State Legislation
In 2003 there were 71 bills in 29
states

Legislation supporting therapeutic
cloning research has been passed in
California and New Jersey.

If it passes in November 2004, the
California Stem Cell Research and
Cures Initiative will provide $3 billion
over 10 years.
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International Legislation
Embryonic Stem cell research is highly
controversial not only in the United States
but worldwide.

In the past two years, many nations have
begun to tolerate, if not to support, the
research.

In the fall of 2004, the United Nations will
consider enacting a global ban on both
therapeutic and reproductive cloning.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Stem Cell Research Worldwide
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
United Nations
In November 2003, a committee of
the General Assembly defeated by
only one vote a proposal to ban
therapeutic cloning research. The
United States delegation strongly
supported this proposal.

In September 2004, the General
Assembly will again consider the
proposal to ban the research.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
What can I do?
BECOME INFORMED! Learn the facts about stem
cell research and its curative potential.

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
www.stemcellfunding.org

Stem Cell Action Network (Education Page)
www.stemcellaction.org




SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Inform Others
Contact patient and community groups and offer
to give a presentation like this one. Organize a
house party to help spread the word.

Offer to help someone else give this
presentation.

Collect email addresses of supporters to be
added to SCANs mailing list. SCAN will send
out news bulletins and action alerts about
pending legislation.
SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
Inform Others (contd)
Arrange to meet with your political
representatives to discuss their support for stem
cell research.

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Find other like-minded people and work together.
Invite friends, colleagues, and caretakers of
patients to become involved.

SCAN Stem Cell Action Network
BE SEEN!

BE HEARD!

BE IMPATIENT!