Government Objectives, Political Influences and Potential Impacts on Nursing care

Government funded and regulated embryonic stem cell research was put on hold during the Bush administration. Research was only allowed to be continued on the embryos that were obtained prior to the ban. With the shift in administration within the past year, policy regarding stem cell research has begun to shift as well. The executive order President Obama signed in March lifted the ban on government funded stem cell research using human embryos. In regard to the political and ethical influences surrounding the issue, President Obama states, “the majority of Americans, from across the political spectrum and from all backgrounds and beliefs, have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research; that the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided.” In other words, President Obama wishes to advance the science of stem cell research and its positive outcomes in the health care field, while maintaining strict guidelines and limitations to reduce some of the controversy involved with the process.

Embryonic cells hold such great promise for medical advances because they can differentiate into any type of cell (Thomas, et. al). This potential in these cells would allow for growth of replacement cells, similar to organ replacement. This would involve the generation of an organ genetically to that of your own, not a donor’s. Or in diseases such as Parkinson's and juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, the stems cells would be used to replace the dysfunctional cells affected by the disease (Thompson, et. al). Also, with manipulation of these cells, a particular disease could be created and tracked through its progression for better understanding. Stem cells could be used to create healthy liver or heart cells in order to test drug toxicity. Ultimately stem cells have the potential to yield better treatments and possibly a cure for diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, birth defects, and spinal cord injuries. All of these potential uses could play a huge role on the nurse and the healing process for the patient. Cells could be used to aid for speedy recovery in almost any type of surgical procedure, making the patient’s hospital stay shorter. This would also change around the care given by the nurse. There may be different skills and procedures needed to be administered by the nurse to facilitate better growth of these stem cells once inserted and utilized by the healing patient.

While embryonic stem cell research only seems to pose scientific advancements, President Obama states, “Ultimately, I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No president can promise that. But I can promise that we will seek them — actively, responsibly and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground.”


The following video contains Dr Patrick Dixon discussing some of the many implications for stem cell research as well as the amazing effects it could have on healthcare. Dr Patrick Dixon is an author, business consultant, and former physician often described as a futurist. He is Chairman of the trends forecasting company Global Change Ltd, founder of the international AIDS agency ACET, and Chairman of the ACET International Alliance.