Embryonic stem cell research is a hard topic for me to get my mind around for many reasons.  My faith teaches me that life begins at conception.  Consequently, embryos are human lives and should not be terminated for research purposes.  I, though, in the other side of my brain realize that “leftover” embryos at an IVF clinic, no longer needed or wanted, will be destroyed so why not use them for research purposes.

Currently, adult stem cell research – which does include umbilical cord blood cells – has helped many people with many diseases.  Unfortunately, these research has not been done in great quantity in the US.  People who have benefited have traveled far to receive such transplants.  

I believe that there are diseases out there that stem cell research will help cure in the future – Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, etc.  What I do not want to see is embryos being created simply for the purpose of research.  Please realize I do believe that the US should be leading in such research.  I am just holding back for the protocols to show up for such research prior to trying to wrap my faith around such research.

Please find yourself resources that cover all the bases before making a decision on whether the recently signed Executive Order from President Obama is a good idea or not.  You can visit the NIH site on stem cell information or Do No Harm or a stem cell transplant survivor’s site.