Embryonic stem cells, or so-called pluripotent cells, harvested from days-old embryos, have the remarkable ability to develop into any of the highly specialized cells that eventually become the human body and its organs.
But researchers concede that it could be years, perhaps decades before "miracle" therapies, if any, are developed. Still, the hope offered by a science still in its infancy has spurred a push for further exploration.
"As we dither and argue, we aren't making any progress, and people don't have the time to wait. It should be full steam ahead," said Lawrence Goldstein, a professor of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of California, San Diego. "This is hard work, and things are being hampered by this whole political snarl."
Because of the Bush administration's stance, some states have launched their own stem-cell programs. New Jersey has earmarked $6.5 million as the first installment of a $50 million institute.
Harvard University is in the midst of a $100 million fund-raising campaign to benefit its stem cell work.
California's initiative, however, is by far the most ambitious foray, public or private. The initiative seeks approval in November for a $3 billion bond measure that would create a new state agency responsible for distributing nearly $300 million in research funds annually, for 10 years, to California researchers. Priority would go to studies of embryonic stem cells, but work on adult cells would also be eligible.
"If the California initiative passes, it will be the single most important event in embryonic stem cell research," said Lawrence Soler, vice president of government relations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which backs the measure.
The California Catholic Conference opposes the initiative but will not focus its opposition on moral concerns, said conference spokeswoman Carol Hogan. Fiscal concerns, in times of tight state budgets, may resonate better with voters, she said.
"Don't get us wrong, we object to the killing of embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells," Hogan said. "But that argument is not going to the one that will move people on this issue. It will move Catholics, we hope; but out west, religious arguments mostly get shot down."
That may not stop other religious groups from pushing the moral argument, Hogan said.
Opponents have formed a coalition -- Doctors, Patients and Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility -- and are putting together a united front against the initiative.
"California is not in a position to fund this, and they'll be doing it on the taxpayer's back," said Jennifer Lahl, national director and founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, part of the opponents' coalition.
Opponents say the state cannot afford to risk more debt. They see the bond measure as a money grab by research institutions. They question scientists' insistence on pursuing embryonic research when, they contend, adult stem cells could be just as scientifically fruitful. And they accuse proponents of giving unrealistic hope to the afflicted.
"They are playing on the hopes and fears of people," said Nigel Cameron, who chairs the board of the bioethics center and is a former professor of theology at Trinity International University's Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill.
"People are being influenced by their fear of death and disease, and are being hounded by celebrities and hype," Cameron said, while acknowledging that Nancy Reagan "will have a huge impact on this campaign."
But he added, "Had President Reagan still been around and been free of [Alzheimer's disease], he would have been the one cheering on the opposition," noting Reagan's conservative views on abortion. Stem cell research was never an issue during the Reagan presidency; the science emerged a decade after he left office.
"As a campaign, we've certainly been pleased with the national attention the issue has gotten," said Fiona Hutton, a spokeswoman for Californians for Stem Cell Research and Cures, which got the initiative on the ballot.
Should Nancy Reagan take an active role in the campaign, she would pose a formidable foe. "I don't think it would be a lost cause, but it would be an uphill battle," said Hogan, the Catholic Church spokeswoman.
source: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/06/27
