Texas Governor Rick Perry Uses Own Adult Stem Cells for Back Surgery

Teresa Neumann : Aug 15, 2011
Steven Erfelt – LifeNews.com

"It's encouraging that Gov. Perry would make public his treatment with his own adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are improving health and saving lives for thousands of people every year. We wish Gov. Perry well and swift healing, and hope that this provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the success of ethical adult stem cells." -David Prentice, biology professor

(Austin, TX)—Life News reports that Texas Governor Rick Perry had back surgery on July 1 using his own adult stem cells.

Perry is a strong supporter of adult stem cell research as is the pro-life community, and he has promoted it as the more ethical and effective alternative to embryonic stem cell research because it is helping patients now without any of the moral concerns that accompany the embryonic variety.

The Texas Tribune reported that Perry underwent an experimental injection of his own stem cells in a treatment that is not yet approved by the FDA because if its experimental component. The news web site said, "His treatment involved removing his own adult stem cells from healthy tissue and injecting them back into his body at the time of surgery, with the belief that the cells would assist tissue regeneration and speed recovery."

Perry spokesman Mark Miner said yesterday that the procedure was "successful" and he confirmed it involved "the innovative use of his own adult stem cells."