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| For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 National Right to Life Applauds Adult Stem-cell Research
The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) applauds all forms of stem-cell research with the exception of those few varieties that would require the ending of human life. NRLC does oppose using unethical sources of stem cells, such as those taken from human embryos.
“We have no reason to oppose the majority of stem-cell research. Some scientists are actively involved in these ethical and very effective approaches,” said Brian Johnston, Western Director of NRLC. “Cord-blood stem cells, muscle stem cells, bone marrow, pancreatic, corneal, neural—there is wide-spread success in such transplants. This is particularly true amongst auto-donation regimens, where cells from one’s own body have had a marked impact in transforming damaged tissue.”
Coincidentally, it is only ethical uses of stem cells that have been successful in human beings. Recent studies such as those depicted on the PBS program, Miracle Cell, have confirmed the amazing successes of the use of adult stem cells in restoring dead heart muscle and even the spinal cord damage of quadriplegia.
“We applaud this research,” said Johnston. “We would hope that the media limelight might focus for a moment on these successes, not only for the sake of those who may be cured by them, but because the ethical use of medicine is something that should be recognized and honored.”
Embryonic stem-cell research, which destroys the embryos from which stem cells are retrieved, has resulted in numerous problems, particularly in the growth of cancers. (See Prentice, et. al. @ www.stemcellresearch.org)
The National Right to Life Committee is the nation’s largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide. National Right to Life works through education and legislation to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
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