Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Better Stem Cell Research

This fall our state approved a stem cell research proposal that I vehemently opposed. I've shied away from this topic a bit because of its controversy, but I'm learning that in order to save lives I can't just zip my mouth shut and pretend that it doesn't exist.

One of the forerunners in adult stem cell collection and research involves using the stem cells present in menstrual blood. When I heard about C'Elle, I decided that I needed to learn more.

This is Christmas time, a time of giving. The greatest gifts I've ever received were the births of each of my five children. I don't take this lightly. Life is fragile and any one of my kids could be snatched from this life in the blink of an eye. Though I have a great faith, it could easily be put to the test if one of my kids were to die or be afflicted with an incurable disease, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

I remain opposed to fetal stem cell research but I wholeheartedly embrace adult stem cell research. Menstrual blood is a 100% match for any woman donor and could easily match her relatives.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject!

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In menstrual blood there is a stem cell population called "endometrial regenerative cells". These cells have been published in medical journals to have regenerative properties. Specifically they can save limbs of animals with advanced peripheral artery disease and become brain, lung, liver, pancrease and several other tissues. It is important to bank menstrual blood for its endometrial regenerative cell content