Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Down Dramatically; Ethical Adult Stem Cell use Preferred

Dustin Siggins : Dec 6, 2013
LifeSiteNews.com

"Despite the millions spent on this research, cures by embryonic cells have proven elusive, while adult stem cell research applications have exploded."

(Washington, DC)—Once dismissed as the talk of right-wing social conservatives, stem cell funding data shows that two of the nation's most liberal states prefer adult stem cells to embryonic stem cell research. (Photo: LSN)

A report on the funding in California and Maryland written by the Charlotte Lozier Institute—the research arm of the Susan B. Anthony List—has found that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the state government of Maryland are funding far more adult stem cell research projects, while embryonic stem cell research has decreased nearly to nothing.

"Money talks," said Charlotte Lozier Institute President Chuck Donovan. "Our new report shows a growing preference to fund ethical stem cell projects nationwide."

In 2007, CIRM funded 100 embryonic stem cell research projects. In 2012, it was only six. Meanwhile, CIRM gave 15 grants to scientists conducting non-embryonic stem cell research.

In Maryland, 11 embryonic projects and four adult stem cell projects were funded in 2007. Five years later, 28 non-embryonic grants were made, but only one embryonic stem cell grant.

Because it destroys a human life, embryonic stem cell research been opposed by many in the religious and ethics community. Adult stem cells have no such moral concerns.

"A decade ago researchers, media, and Hollywood alike dismissed moral and ethical concerns to hail stem cell research using, and destroying, human embryos, as the 'only hope' for developing efficacious therapies," Donovan said. "Despite the millions spent on this research, cures by embryonic cells have proven elusive, while adult stem cell research applications have exploded."