Stem Cell Research Could be on Ballot
Local News
by
Stephany Beshara
last edited on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Some people in South Dakota are working to get the use of embryonic stem cell research on the ballot for next year's election.
But, others say we should just stick with adult stem cell research. That's less controversial.
On Wednesday, Doctor David Prentice explained how adult stem cells are currently being used to treat dozens of illnesses like juvenile diabetes, stroke, and heart damage.
He says embryonic stem cells aren't being used and research shouldn't start to lean in that direction.
David A. Prentice, Ph.D., a Senior Fellow for Life Sciences, says, "I think it would be a mistake to soften the laws in South Dakota to allow cloning or to allow embryo research. Number one, because it would open up an unethical research process in South Dakota. And, number two, it ignores what is already helping the patients, the adult stem cells."
Prentice says in this economy research and money should stay focused on what is working which is adult stem cells.