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Delivering on a campaign promise, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts last week released a report aimed at increasing stem cell research in Rhode Island.The report, “Discovering Rhode Island’s Stem Cell Future: Charting the Course Toward Health and Prosperity,” advocates expanding on stem-cell research already occurring at Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University and The Miriam Hospital – including controversial embryonic stem cell research.
The 61-page report poses policy questions and examines similar efforts already occurring in other states and makes the case that Rhode Island should invest in stem cell research to create high-wage jobs, build its economy and participate in promising work to find cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s and to reverse paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries.
Roberts unveiled the report last Tuesday at the State House, joined by U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin, one of the strongest advocates on Capitol Hill for increased federal funding for stem cell research, and by officials from the Rhode Island chapters of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other stem cell research advocates.
Stem cells have the ability to grow into many of the differentiated cells within a body. Scientists are experimenting with ways to manipulate stem cells to grow healthy tissue to replace blood, organs and body parts damaged by disease or injury.
While stem cell research is still in the early stages, one breakthrough already being used widely takes stem cells drawn from umbilical cord blood to regenerate healthy bone marrow in leukemia patients.
Much of the controversy surrounding stem cells is caused by the use of embryonic stem cells in research. The process, which uses human embryos discarded by clinics, requires the destruction of the embryos, which the Roman Catholic Church and others view as an unacceptable destruction of human life.
In January, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would open up federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and increase the number of stem cell lines eligible for federal funding from the 22 adult stem cell lines that federally funded researchers are permitted to use under a 2001 decision by the Bush administration.
The bill stipulates that only researchers using embryos discarded by women who were seeking fertility treatment, along with written consent by the donors, would be eligible for federal funding.
Federal funding for stem cell research would probably increase if the bill becomes law, but President George W. Bush has said he will veto the bill if it comes to his desk, according to Roberts’ report.
But 13 states are already providing their own funding for stem cell research – in part by creating special research institutes and tapping tobacco settlement money – and two other states are considering similar initiatives, according to the report.
Connecticut, Massachusetts and other states are investing in stem cell research as part of an economic development strategy to build their biotechnology and life science sectors, which pay high wages and are widely seen as growing industries that will play a crucial role in the 21st century economy.
Rhode Island could join an effort by Connecticut lawmakers to create regional standards for stem cell research, which would help to make New England a national hub for stem cell research, according to the report.
At the State House, the report could direct the work of state lawmakers who are moving towards creating a commission to study stem cell research.
“I believe strongly that the potential human and economic benefits of stem cell research for Rhode Islanders is too great to be ignored,” Roberts said.
The report, “Discovering Rhode Island’s Stem Cell Future: Charting the Course Toward Health and Prosperity,” is available at www.ltgov.ri.gov.
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