ESCR NOT NEEDED

Stem Cell research not needed
Dear Secretary Thompson,

Greetings!

I am a Biology Professor at Orange County Community College (Middletown, NY). I have consulted for biotechnology, medical, government agencies (FDA), and pharmaceutical companies for four years (1989-1993). I have been a biomedical researcher and consultant on issues of biotechnology, bioethics, and medical research. I have worked at biomedical research facilities and managed a tissue culture laboratory (all non-embryonic tissues-I assure you!) at one point in my career.

I strongly urge you to re-establish the ban on funding human embryonic stem cell research. The present research available on stem cells derived from adult tissues can overwhelmingly supply the information and research concerns that have arisen from the medical community. To answer the urgent cries for treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, we have research and technology from adult stem cells, genetically altered cell lines, and protein growth factors which can meet the therapeutic requirements for these disorders. Furthermore, we have sufficient research data that will provide alternatives to embryonic stems cells for full scale tissue engineering of organs and physiological systems. Therefore, directing further funding towards embryonic stem cells work is a needed waste of tax dollars.

I must also remind you that using genetic engineering techniques such as antisense DNA (which has been around since the 1980's), we now have the capability to redesign adult endogenous tissues toward any cell line (tissue type) that is medically required. Therefore, a plethora of alternatives exist to embryonic derived stem cells.

The above statements add further fuel to the bioethical and moral objections of this research. IF sir, you really believe abortion is immoral or murder, THEN the persistence of funding of this research (especially in light of the abundant research alternatives) is unconscionable at best, and criminal at worst. To destroy innocent life at its simplest form is brutal, selfish, and senseless; especially in light of a sophisticated society as ours that has ample resources that can be directed at preserving and promoting life. We can and MUST do better. The ban on funding embryonic stem cell research would be a good step in that direction.

I urge you to ban any funding on human embryonic stem cells and re-direct any funds towards stem cell research derived from adult cells and tissue lines. We have the capacity to lead the American society (and global society as well) towards a new medical frontier which not only repairs the ravages of disease, but at the same time preserves the value of life as well.

Please reply to this correspondence.

Sincerely,

Lawrence F. Roberge