Abandon embryonic stem cell research

We can now add researchers at UCLA to the growing list of scientists who have confirmed that human skin cells can be converted to stem cells which are virtually identical to embryonic stem cells -- further evidence that life-destroying embryonic stem cell research, which too many lawmakers support, should quickly be abandoned in favor of ethically benign alternatives.

Illinois Family Institute has long opposed the research on and the cloning of human embryos for the purposes of research since a life is destroyed in the process. In addition, IFI has trumpeted the many advances made through adult stem cell research and called on researchers and scientists to continue their work in finding an alternative to using human embryos. This fascinating news clearly demonstrates that an alternative is available.

Embryonic stem cell research comes at too great a cost to human life. Our efforts and resources should be focused on the promising research already taking place through the use of adult stem cells. That research, which poses no ethical dilemma, has already led to breakthroughs and cures.

We can only wonder how long it will take the political and scientific community to come on board, but this news from UCLA is further evidence that adult stem cell research is the life-affirming choice -- and the best choice -- for everyone. This great new scientific method should mean that Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Springfield lawmakers have no reason at all to allocate taxpayer funds for life-destroying embryonic research. Now that this ethical option has been discovered and affirmed, IFI calls all Illinois lawmakers to reverse course and ban human embryonic cloning and research.

David E. Smith

Executive Director

Illinois Family Institute

Glen Ellyn