Monday, August 31, 2009

Study Using Embryonic Stem Cells Is Delayed

Health/ Disease Blog Entry One [Due 9/4/09]
By: Azrealle McClain

Summary:

Thousands of people have used adult stem cells to regenerate movement in paralyzed limbs yet using embryonic stem cells has long been an issue within the entire world. This article chronicles The Geron Corporation’s delay in their study on the use of embryonic stem cells. This was to be the first human spinal cord trial with embryonic stem cells. The food and drug administration stopped the impeding trials when they became aware of the increased amount of embryonic stem cells being injected into the proposed patient’s spinal cord. They stated it was only because of safety concerns for the patients that the trials were stopped. As of right now Geron is cooperating with the F.D.A. to release the hold.

Reactions:

Personally I have been divided on the subject for years. I tend to put myself in the paralyzed persons position and if there was any possible way to regain mobility I would want to try it or at least research it. I don’t condone the careless death of embryos but with abortion on the rise it would be a more productive result to such a sad and unavoidable outcome. The results of adult stem cells have been said to be mixed however that would be my first option. If it failed, I would most likely research the more undesired alternative with the upmost skepticism. I would defiantly not be a patient in this trial simply because I don’t know the outcome. I would morally be distraught if I used the services and they did nothing for my mobility. I believe I lean more to the pro choice side verses pro life however I will never be solely for one or the other.

Web Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/health/research/19drug.html?_r=1&ref=research

Date/time Submitted: 8/31/09 @ 5:55pm

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