STEM CELL RESEARCH IN LOUISIANA (Download as a PDF)

The Issue

“Stem cell research” is sparking a highly charged ethical and public policy debate.

Although stem cell research may produce breathtaking advances in spinal cord regeneration, organ transplants and Alzheimer’s disease treatment, the technology also faces enormous challenges.   The potential is, however, exciting.

Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types.  Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells for the remainder of a person’s life.

Stem cells can be harvested from adults, umbilical cords and placentas.   In fact, work with adult stem cells is conducted at the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System.  New research is showing that adult stems cells CAN be isolated and developed.   Adult stem cell research advances have developed thrilling new treatments and medicines.  United States Senator Sam Brownback and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have cited the remarkable progress of quadriplegics treated with adult stem cells.

The other source of stem cells is human embryos.  Despite much attention in the media and from some in the research community, the harvesting of stem cells from human embryos --- a process that destroys the embryo --- has not produced a single advance. 

In 2001, President George W. Bush authorized federal funding for research on 78 pre-existing lines of embryonic stem cells created from destroyed embryos from in vitro fertilization clinics.  Since then, these pre-existing lines constitute the only embryonic research the President has supported.
Louisiana has attempted to address the issue with legislation that would ban human cloning and prohibit embryonic stem cell research. Both measures were defeated.

A House Special Committee on Cellular Technologies appointed by Louisiana House Speaker Joe Salter is studying matters relating to regenerative cellular therapy and technologies, including stem cell research.

The CHRISTUS Health Position: Support Ethical Stem Cell Research
CHRISTUS Health supports responsible and ethical research using stem cells obtained from adults, placentas or umbilical cords. However, CHRISTUS Health opposes the use of embryonic stem cells for research.  The destruction of embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells for research is morally wrong and is inconsistent with the mission and core values of CHRISTUS Health.

CHRISTUS Health’s mission respects the dignity of human life through health care practices that maintain the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, and stewardship.

CHRISTUS Health’s responsibility to the communities it serves urges that funding not be diverted from the care of the more vulnerable in society to embryonic stem cell research.

CHRISTUS Health’s ministry was founded upon a commitment to health care for all. This commitment is based on Catholic social justice teaching and a mission of service to the poor.

All advances in stem cell research should proceed responsibly and with a strong eye towards ethical concerns.  The use of embryonic stem cells, to date, has produced no new medicines or therapies. Research utilizing stem cells from other sources, including adult stem cells, holds the potential to produce further medical and scientific advancements without sacrificing a firm moral and ethical foundation.

April 2007