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News Media Releases Stemming Ethical Dilemma in wake of Superman's Death
Media ReleaseMonday, 18 October 2004 Stemming Ethical Dilemma in wake of Superman's DeathThe recent death of 'Superman' Christopher Reeve did more than leave a legion of comic hero fans grieving in its wake, it has also increased the confusion over embryo and adult stem cells. With the latest push to pressure the UN decision makers to support stem-cell research, Australian Christian ethics and action group Salt Shakers has warned there are dire consequences if embryonic stem cell research is pursued and that a distinction must be made between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. "Christopher Reeve was a proponent of embryonic stem cell research but even besides ethical considerations, medically that approach wasn't working because to date there has not been one success using embryo stem cell research. What's needed is increased focus and more research of adult stem cells," said Salt Shakers CEO Peter Stokes. "Adult stem cells have already produced wonderful medical results while eliminating any ethical dilemma," Mr Stokes said. "While embryonic stem (ES) cells are extremely versatile cells in their seminal form, adult stem cells have been shown to be far more powerful to combat and reverse the effects of illness," he said. "Adult stem cells may be found in brain, pancreas, liver, bone marrow, blood, muscle, skin and umbilical blood and when taken from a person's own body, there is no rejection factor. "David A. Prentice, Ph.D. Professor of Life Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine has stated that adult stem cells are already being used clinically to treat many human diseases. "These include various cancers, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and arthritis, and anaemias including sickle cell anaemia. Adult stem cells are being used to form new cartilage so that children can walk, grow new corneas to restore sight to blind patients, treat stroke patients, and repair damage after heart attacks. "Another exciting breakthrough was a couple of years ago when the first Parkinson's patient using the patient's own adult brain stem cells, achieved an 80% recovery one year after treatment. With adult stem cells, the patient's own stem cells can be used for the treatment, preventing the problems of immune rejection, and there is no tumor formation. More scientists now admit that adult stem cells will be the ones to provide therapeutic benefits to patients.
"Ultimately we have two choices. We can continue to plough money into the already failed trail of embryonic stem cell research with its inherent ethical dilemma or divert it into the already proven path of adult stem cell research. We call on Governments to do the latter," Mr Stokes said. Salt Shakers Research and Information Services - a division of Salt Shakers Inc.
Peter Stokes is available for interview on 0413 084 145. Media contact: |