Stem cell breakthrough puts embryonic cloning to rest
Wednesday, 13 August 2008.
Stem cell research findings published in the international journal Science have been hailed as putting an end to the stem cell debate on the morality of human cloning and puts an end to the cloning of human embryos to harvest stem cells.
In a breakthrough discovery, Dr Kevin Eggan, Chief Scientific Officer of The New York Stem Cell Foundation and Principal Faculty Member of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, has produced human stem cell lines from the cells of patients afflicted with a version of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Eggan’s work marks the first time scientists have replicated in a laboratory the specific human cells affected by disease.
Rev the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes, a NSW Upper House Member and long time campaigner against embryonic cloning, said: “This recent breakthrough in stem cell advancement is a major step toward scientists’ belief that stem cell research will eventually make it possible to treat patients suffering from chronic diseases with stem cell-based treatments created from their own cells. This science is superior. We no longer need to go down the path of destroying an embryo.”
Scientists believe that this latest finding on genetically matching of cells will provide a significant tool for understanding how ALS and other diseases work, and how to prevent them. Scientists expect that eventually it will be possible to create similar cells for the study of any number of diseases, from Parkinson’s disease to diabetes and cancer.
Dr Moyes has urged both the Federal and State Governments to repeal laws concerning embryonic cloning. He said: “There is no compelling scientific justification left for the inhuman act of cloning. The laws should now be repealed. With more and more scientists making pathbreaking discoveries in stem cell research, this sends a very strong message that this is the end of the cloning era.”
Dr Moyes added: “Science is telling us that if special cells are wanted they can now be obtained ethically and easily. This recent finding is further evidence that adult stem cell research is the morally and superior technology. There is no need to compromise one life for another with this bright way forward.”
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