|
The Stem Cell Controvers
y
The Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy
Most controversy concerns the use of stem cells from embryos and fetuses (not to be confused with cord blood stem cells). Congress has banned the use of federal funds for any research that results in the destruction of human embryos, including research that would improve the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of inherited disorders.
Current research projects have obtained stem cells from tissue, which has been removed during terminated pregnancies, or from embryos produced by in-vitro fertilization clinics. Once isolated, the cells can be grown up in the laboratory and stored for future use. As science and technology continue to advance, so do ethical viewpoints surrounding these developments. It is important to educate and explore the issues, scientifically and ethically.
Cord Blood: The Controversy-Free Source of Stem Cells
Umbilical cord blood stem cells are controversy-free and offer advantages over other types of stem cells. While your baby’s own stem cells are a perfect match (100%), there is a good probability of a match for siblings, parents and or grandparents. While stem cells have been in the news more and more these days, few understand that there are different types of stem cells:
Adult Stem Cells: Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow (the vehicle carrying these stem cells) and require invasive surgery to acquire. Also, finding a matching donor for a bone marrow transplant via a public bank can be difficult and sometimes impossible.
Embryonic Stem Cells: Derived from an embryo (sperm meets the egg) are highly controversial and often in the news and at the heart of many moral and ethical debates.
Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: Umbilical cord blood offers a perfectly natural, controversy-free method of acquiring stem cells. (The Vatican approves of cord blood banking.) Cord blood stem cells offer many advantages over other stem cells. They are collected in a risk-free, five-minute procedure at the time of birth that is painless for both mother and baby. Also, stem cells from cord blood are better than stem cells from bone marrow because they are less prone to “graft vs. host disease” (GVHD – an immune system attack by donor cells against the recipient) and other complications relating to the recipient body rejecting foreign cells. Most importantly, banked cord blood is available when you and your family need it most, allowing treatment to begin almost immediately, without time spent searching for a match. Plus, cord blood stem cells are a perfect match for the baby and can potentially be used to treat other family members
Future Potential of Stem Cells
Stem cells have already proven their viability in treating a wide range of chronic and acute diseases. In addition to those life-saving capabilities, research is already uncovering a host of potential stem cell applications in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart and liver disease; diabetes; Muscular Dystrophy; spinal cord injury; and stroke.
80 Chronic Disease Diseases Treated with Cord Blood
There are a wide range of diseases that are treatable with cord blood, including stem cell disorders, acute and chronic forms of leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders and many more. It’s important to note that, in addition to the host of conditions that can now be treated, it’s the potential of cord blood that holds the most excitement, as research continues to uncover new possibilities. more
|
