What are the benefits of adult stem cell research?
All the human stem cell therapies developed to date have come from adult or umbilical cord stem cells, not embryonic stem cells. These therapies include using bone marrow stem cells to treat heart attack victims and using umbilical cord stem cells to treat rare enzyme disorders. It makes sense that adult stem cells would be effective, because they already exist in our bodies, where they are part of the natural repair mechanism for many tissues. They belong in an adult body. By contrast, embryonic stem cells do not belong in an adult body; they belong in an early embryo. When placed in an adult body, they tend to cause tumors and immune system reactions. How should Catholics respond when proponents say that embryonic stem cell research is necessary to find cures for diseases and to prolong life for those already ill? Catholics should respond in two ways. First, they should suggest that all the research be done first in animals, and once you have demonstrated the proposition that you can
