By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
From ethics to economics, experts today debated stem cell research during an educational forum hosted by a bipartisan group of Texas Senate and House members.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), chair of the group, asked those attending to "open your hearts, open your minds, listen to the facts and consider the perspectives" regarding stem cell research. She said it does not matter how strongly anyone opposes anything said at the forum. But she reminded, "What if the opponents are right?" She asked those gathered to consider the humanitarian aspect involved and all the people who are sick and concerned about their loved ones, and are hopeful they can benefit from stem cell research. She asked that all consider the facts before making decisions.
Co-Chair Rep. Rick Hardcastle (R-Vernon) said the goal of the forum is to "educate and bring this out into the light." He said the forum organizers are not trying to change anyone's opinion, but to instead bring forward facts regarding the issues "and do it where it benefits the state of Texas and each of us individually."
Hardcastle, who admits he has a personal interest in the issue because he suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, said the forum is intended to "educate and take some of the hype and some of the mystery out of this issue." Noting so much is unknown regarding the issue, it is still an issue that is important to a lot of people."
The forum featured three panels of scientists, ethicists and biotech industry leaders. Dr. Kenneth Shine, Executive Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs at UT System, defined a stem cell as "an unspecialized cell that can renew, or divide, indefinitely." In vivo fertilization occurs in a living subject, he said, while in vitro occurs outside the body. He described different kinds of stem cells.
Many stem cells approved by the Bush administration for research have turned out to be contaminated, said Shine, noting that these cells grew on mouse feeder levels, and are now contaminated with mouse proteins. "It's a very serious issue and perhaps none of them can be used," he said, but pointed out that there is a way to create the cells without contamination.
Dr. Jim Willerson, president of the University of Texas Health Science Center, addressed both animal and human stem cell work, noting in Houston and Brazil, stem cells have been used to treat heart problems. With heart and vascular disease the number one killer in the world, stem cell research in that area might help prevent those diseases. "We have to address that," he said, adding that stem cells would not in this instance be used to regenerate organs.
Also addressed were ethics questions related to stem cells. Eric Cohen, director of the Biotechnology and American Democracy program at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, said benefits from stem cell research far outweigh concerns. He said the question is what an embryo is, how it should be thought of in a morally responsible way. While stem cells left over from a childless couple's efforts to become pregnant via in vitro techniques, the cell merits respect as a form of human life, but not the same as that accorded to persons.
Laurie Zoloth, Director of Bioethics at the Center for Genetic Medicine, said Texas "faces the future" regarding stem cell research like other states. She said she acts out of a faith community that teaches her to be attentive to "what our Maker asks of us," and realizes there are disagreements - "about faith and about how God speaks to us." While her own ideas regarding when life begins differs from others, she said, "In terms of public policy, we've got to find a way to move ahead," adding, "that's why it's a legislative challenge." While there will be some disagreement regarding stem cell research, she said, there is a need to move ahead when there is disagreement and "make a law everyone in Texas can live with."
Cohen said there must be a way to "avoid stalemate and find common ground." He said everyone wants cures for diseases, all are patient advocates and all are potential patients.
Addressing the business and economics of stem cell research was a panel moderated by Angelos Angelou of Angelou Economics. Scientific research confirms that stem cell research represents a "new frontier" in medicine, with potential for cures for diseases, said Angelou. He said 46 of the 50 states currently are targeting biotech as their number one or two technology industry. He said foreign nations are seeking to "compete and beat America at its own game" regarding the industry.
The market economy will decide who gets funded and what gets funded, he said, questioning how Texas can remain on the sidelines regarding stem cell research.
Dr. Robert Klein, chair of the Campaign for California's Proposition 71 Stem Cell Research Initiative, described how that state rallied to endorse the issue. He called it a "bipartisan" campaign across the "largest coalition" ever to back an initiative in the state. An understanding of the economics as well as the human side was essential, he said.
In California, there is a tremendous amount of money spent on health care maintenance, as there is in Texas, said Klein. But a policy that spends money only on maintenance and not seeking to find cures for disease is a "dead-end" policy, he said, and that was recognized by state organizations and state leaders. "If we merely ride the maintenance train, it's a dead-end tunnel," he said. He said investing in intellectual infrastructure to fight diseases will have benefits that last 40-50 years or more and is a critical asset for persons in the state suffering from disease, said Klein.
How lack of stem cell research will affect the biotech industry and equipment was addressed by Mary Pat Moyer, president and CEO of INCELL Corp. Various types of stem cells from various types of organs already are being developed, she said, and Texas can be part of that or it can be passed by. She said the industry must be respectful that work is being done with human tissues, but it is "up to us that we are the stewards of what happens next."
Texas has the largest stem cell program "on the planet," according to Dr. John Mendelsohn, president of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Many of those stem cells are from individuals who have cancer and are used for their own treatment. He said 15 percent of the hospital's revenues come from bone marrow transplant. Some $290 million of revenue per year comes in through payment for services at the hospital, he said. "This is going to be a major economic aspect of medical care, and I hope it goes on in Texas."
Moyer said embryonic stem cells have potential while adult stem cells may not. She said the tools must be made available to address both human and business needs.