Support Stem Cell Research -- Find New Medical Cures
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
July, 2010 was a groundbreaking month for medical research. The FDA lifted its hold on a human embryonic stem cell clinical trial -- the research will be the first of its kind, and the results could be revolutionary.
Embryonic stem cells can turn into any kind of tissue in the human body, so they could be the key to curing many serious medical conditions. Already, embryonic stem cells have been used to help paralyzed rats walk again.
Unfortunately, there is pressure on the FDA to block this kind of research, and that pressure isn't about to go away. The Vatican condemned the FDA's decision as "unacceptable", and the
decision will likely spark an outcry from other political, religious, and social forces. As stem cell research advances, there may even be pressure from powerful pharmaceutical companies who
have a lot to lose if stem cell research finds new and better cures to diseases that are currently treated by drugs.
Tell the FDA that when it comes to embryonic stem cell research, they should continue to put safety and science first -- not give in to pressure from political or religious forces.
To the FDA,
I'm writing in response to your July, 2010 decision to lift the hold on a human embryonic stem cell clinical trial. I want to thank you for putting safety and science first and not the agendas of political or religious forces. The research could be revolutionary and hold the key to curing many serious medical conditions.
[Your comment will be inserted here.]
I recognize that there must be pressure on the FDA to block this kind of research, and I urge you not to be swayed by political groups, powerful pharmaceutical companies, or religious groups like the Vatican. Their arguments may sound compelling and even scientific, but Americans like myself know better. Human embryonic stem cell research is important and can be conducted in an ethical way. Furthermore, adult stem cells are not a reliable alternative for embryonic stem cells, as corroborated by two new studies published in Nature and Nature Biotechnology.
Thank you.
