Researchers in the second study harvested stem cells from discarded umbilical cords, infused the cells into the blood streams of rats that had been induced to have strokes, and the cells sought out the damaged brain tissue, transforming themselves into neural cells. It s exciting to think about what this new technology can accomplish, says John Koepke, MD, a professor of pathology at Duke University, when you think about the number of patients who can benefit from this kind of thing. The topic of embryonic stem cell research is controversial because it often involves bringing a sperm and ovum together to create an embryo, harvesting the cells, and then discarding the embryo, a process that many on the pro-life side of the abortion debate say is tantamount to harvesting humans for their organs, and then throwing the humans away. However, as Dr. Koepke points out, embryos are not the only source for stem cells. For example, the stroke study mentioned above obtained stem cells from umbilical cords.
Placentas are another potential source for stem cells.
Pro-life advocates do not oppose stem cells taken from sources other than embryos or aborted fetuses. So a ban might not have the effect of stopping stem cell research altogether, Dr. Koepke notes. During the presidential campaign, President George W. Bush promised to oppose federal funding for research that involved destroying a human embryo. After taking office, Bush asked the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, to review the national guidelines on stem cell research. Thompson stated early in March that his office would deliver a decision on the matter by the summer.