Stem Cell Research Debate Disappears in a Moment.

The discovery has a possibility of becoming a viable alternative to using embryos or human eggs in as little as a year from now. This new discovery will allow scientists to delve into difficult and still untreatable diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimers’ without carrying the ethical and moral dilemmas that came along with using viable fetuses and eggs to create the extraordinary stem cells needed for study.

For the past decade, researchers have been taken to task by those who believe life is important at any stage and this belief has fueled a debate that has brought a polarization to the studies that most scientists believe is the single most effective way to find cures for disease. To many researchers, stem cell research is the solution in the war against physical and mental afflictions… but at what cost.

Many, using political alliances or religious beliefs to base their opinion, have believed that trading potential life for established life isn’t something man should be doing. The debate had been shifted to not only scientific but spiritual areas as scientists were accused of “Playing God" with the unborn. These conflicts, including a Republican President and legislature, have prevented researchers from receiving Federal monies to expand their studies as the scientists found themselves embroiled in a war of ideologies, and theology rather than just a scientific quandary.

The case might soon be a moot point as research shifts to this new technology that allows common skin cells, infused with viruses to create the cells necessary for study. What is equally important is that current follow-up reports show that many researchers across the world are also drawing the same results and can see stem cells being created with non-viral help in as little as six months to a year.

Already, endorsements to this technology being legitimate and non-threatening to religious and moral beliefs are lining up with the Catholic Council of Bishops stating they see no problem with using ordinary skin cells to help cure illness.

The National Institute of Health is on record as saying such research would certainly be eligible for federal funding which could greatly speed up the efforts to find cures for debilitating diseases.

In just one week, one of the greatest individual debates we have in this country might now be swept away into history books. What is all the more important is that both sides can claim victory.

The next step in this research will no doubt extend into using a person’s skin to clone organs for perfect matches when a replacement is needed to maintain life. The end result of someday the rich being able to afford the creation of a bank of vital organs while the poor won’t, isn’t an issue just yet. That will be an intriguing debate no doubt. One that will have to wait for another time and another generation to argue. Right now we should enjoy the moment. It is a good day for all of us.