How to Get Embryonic Stem Cells Without Destroying Embryos

Pro-life activists have long opposed research with embryonic stem cells because they require the creation and destruction of human embryos. But now scientists have now found a way to actually turn back the clock on adult mouse cells, forcing them to revert to their most plastic, embryonic state.

The implications for this are profound. If the research conclusions bear out in humans, we could see the growth of genetically identical replacement tissue without ever having to clone, create or destroy an embryo.

This could eliminate some arguments against the practice. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some pro-lifers continue to argue that the stem cells created in this process have the right to become living beings. After all, some of the current research has resulted in the creation of living, squeaking baby mice from these cells.

Obviously, the research is also very preliminary. We’ll have to wait a good long time before we can really apply the practice to human disease processes. The crucial issue at this point is funding, something that the Bush White House has all but shut down at the Federal level due to its relationship with right-wing Evangelicals. Perhaps with this new procedure that requires no work with actual embryos, the president will change his tune.