Stem-cell research- No easy answers to complex questions

Moral, social, emotional and political questions get all mixed up in the debate over using human embryos to further medical research.

The research has the potential to help people recover from spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other serious illnesses. But much of this research is dependent on the destruction of human embryos, an act some right-to-life proponents view as abortion.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal limitations imposed when President George W. Bush authorized federal funding of some research in embryonic cells in 2001. The research would be conducted using embryos that otherwise would be discarded by fertility clinics. Currently, 400,000 surplus embryos are in storage at fertility clinics.

Legislators appear interested in forging a compromise that would survive the veto President George W. Bush has promised for any bill loosening restrictions. "Using federal dollars to destroy life is something I do not support," Bush said after the House vote.

It should be pointed out that Bush's stance does nothing to prevent private investment in stem-cell research. Government -- national and state -- should not limit private research on stem cells.

Under debate is whether federal funds should be spent on the research.

We must decide if we want the research done or not. Most foundations that do any kind of research rely heavily on government funding.

The irony in this situation is that while abortion is legal in all 50 states, destroying an embryo in the hope of saving lives is not legal, aside from the relatively small number of lines of stem cells that have been approved for research.

Stem-cell research is an issue that transcends political and geographical boundaries.

Cape Girardeau resident Jim Trickey just returned from China after stem-cell treatments to try to slow his ALS. David Landewee, a former Cape Girardeau resident, went to Beijing to receive implants he hopes will return mobility to his paralyzed legs.

Almost anyone's position on this issue comes clearly into focus when someone you love is in a wheelchair or dying of ALS and stem-cell research and treatments represent your only hope.

One certainty: There are no easy answers to these complex questions.