Optimism about stem cell research

When the Second International Conference on Stem Cell research began last Thursday, the organizers asked journalists accredited to the Holy See to help them tell the story of their deliberations to the world. On Monday of this week, ZENIT published an enthusiastic report about the findings and the resolve that now faces the participants. The Conference ended on the weekend.

Adult stem cell research has advanced much further than many people realize, according to journalists Peggy Noonan and Bill Hemmer, both of whom were panelists at the International Conference on Stem Cell research. The three-day conference, which concluded on Saturday, explored advancements made in the field of Adult Stem Cell research and therapies, and included interventions from experts in the fields of science, medicine, bioethics, politics and journalism.

The Catholic Church has always condemned the destruction of embryos for the purpose of research, but has been a supporter of research using adult stem cells.

During the panel discussion which took place during the conference, note was taken of the fact that the debate about stem cells is much more heated in the United States than it is elsewhere in the world.  When asked why she thought this was true, Ms. Noonan responded We are still used to grappling with great political issues from a moral standpoint.  It is almost our habit as a nation, for 250 years now.  In Europe, this has grown less of a habit.  Europe has grown more pragmatic, perhaps. However, she noted the extent to which adult stem cell research and treatment have advanced, saying it takes the pressure - at least in the States, perhaps - off this grinding argument over embryonic stem cells.

I`m impressed to find out so much is going on in the adult stem cell area, she continued, saying that she had not been so aware of the scientific progress being made in the area of adult stem cell research.  More is happening in the field of medicine than you know.

Bill Hemmer expressed his enthusiasm for what stem cell research could mean for the future of medicine.  I think it holds tremendous promise, he said, and as I spoke with many of my panelists earlier (last Friday) I`m still curious about applying the performance.  How do you take it from promise to performance?  And does it actually help change the lives of people?  It makes you wonder if we can grow skin, and if you`re optimistic enough to believe that you can grow a limb, or that you can have your ACL repaired, or a new tendon, or you can go to war and come back and have a leg grow back - this is what they believe! - and if that's possible, how does it change the way we live?

Henner also addressed the significance of the Church being so supportive of adult stem cell research, going so far as to organize an international conference with leading experts in the field.  What they're teaching is that you can contribute to life through your own body.  The intellect is phenomenal.  

In light of the advances being made in the field, Hammer welcomed the Vatican support for the project.  This will be the future, whether the future is in a year, five years, ten years, twenty five years ... or more.