President Obama & President Bush Address Stem Cell Treatments
As the United States enters the heart of the Presidential Election season it is appropriate timing to put the end to one debate at least. It is as simple as clearing up one major misconception, but so important that Auragens is happy to devote an entire newsletter to the one answer: Are there ethical considerations in choosing to seek hUC-MSC stem cell treatments at Auragens?
The arguments over stem cell research in the United States has often been mired in ethical concerns, primarily revolving around the use of embryonic stem cells. And it is a regular question that Auragens helps to bring clarity to as the fallacy continues to persist. Therefore, it is crucial to highlight that all our stem cells are ethically sourced from umbilical cords of healthy newborns, providing a moral and scientifically sound solution that addresses these concerns.
Let us start by looking at the stem cell field as highlighted through the bully pulpit of the President over the last 25 years.
“Research on these 60 lines has great potential to lead to breakthrough therapies and cures. And we should encourage the research.”
– President George W. Bush
Ethical Sourcing Addresses Moral Concerns
In 2001 President George W. Bush highlighted the ethical dilemmas associated with embryonic stem cell research, emphasizing the importance of not crossing “this moral line.” However, he also acknowledged the immense potential of stem cell research:
“Research on these 60 lines has great potential to lead to breakthrough therapies and cures. And we should encourage the research.”
Using stem cells derived from umbilical cords circumvents the moral and ethical issues tied to embryonic stem cells. Umbilical cords are discarded after birth and harvesting stem cells from them involves no harm or ethical compromise. This ethical sourcing aligns with President Bush’s call to encourage promising research while respecting moral boundaries.
Addressing Misconceptions
The ethical concerns often cited against stem cell research are rooted in misconceptions. In 2019 President Donald Trump’s administration discontinued federal funding for research involving human fetal tissue from elective abortions, reflecting a broader hesitation rooted in ethical concerns:
“The federal government will not fund the destruction of human life.”
However, using umbilical cord stem cells does not involve the destruction of life. These cells are obtained ethically from the afterbirth, posing no harm to the newborn or the mother. Thus, the moral objections do not apply to this form of stem cell research.
