Our Position on the Patients First Act of 2009

We stand in full support of this bill for many reasons. The first reason involves the advancement of scientific research for the sake of suffering individuals. As a country, we have fallen behind in research during the Bush administration’s ban on stem cell research. In his most recent speech, Obama said that we will “begin researching actively, responsibly, and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground.” We completely agree with his statement “opportunities are missed when governments fail to sponsor scientific research, which results in our best scientists to leave for countries that will sponsor their work.” In the long run this hurts our economy, puts us behind others in scientific advancements, and does not provide for the overall well being of the population as a whole.

Everyone could agree that it is an important responsibility for a country to continually seek out new ways to ease human suffering of its population. With the advancement of stem cell research, we may one day be able to cure or treat illnesses deemed incurable in the past. Individuals who thought they would never be able to walk again, see again, or function properly may be given new hope and a second chance. In Rep. James Forbes address to the House, he stated that there are 73 illnesses that have been treated successfully with adult embryonic stem cells during the last few years. Imagine the possibilities in advancement now that research is being federally supported.

Now, there are many opposing viewpoints to stem cell research. One side is labeled as “pro-life” supporters, who discourage the use of embryonic stem cells because of the fact that the cells being used are being derived from living embryos which they feel should be considered human beings with rights. As supporters of the bill, we are able to look at its implications with an open mind, understanding the concern of those who oppose it as well as respecting their point of view. But with advancement in research, we could totally eliminate this concern.

Obama has recognized the concerns and responded by saying “there will be strict guidelines that will be rigorously enforced.” His goal is to run this operation as smoothly as possible and leave no room for “misuse or abuse”. It is also important to consider the fact that new “groundbreaking” advances have been made that involve altering adult stem cells to mimic the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. This would allow us to ultimately do away with embryonic stem cell research and curb one of the ethical dilemmas involved with stem cell research. Although research on embryonic stem cells would be conducted, most of the research and advancements thus far have involved using the adult stem cells and manipulating their differentiating properties. Therefore, with the passing of H.R.877, time, proper funding, and continued advancements, we may never have to involve the use of human embryonic stem cells again. In closing, I would like to bring up the point that good research takes time. We could not figure out a way to say it better and feel that Obama said it best: “Medical miracles do not happen by accident, they come from years of painstaking research with many failed attempts along the way…. “ It could be months, years, or even decades before we are able to fully get a grasp on the benefits of stem cell research, but none of the discoveries would ever be possible if we were to turn down the thought of pursuing them. This is why we support H.R.877; to set the groundwork for stem cell research into the near and distant future.