Ahmed 1 Kiran Ahmed Professor Moberly Writing 001 October 30, 2013 Stem Cell Research Letter Dear

Voters, A recent controversy has arisen in the passing of California Proposition 71 concerning stem cell research. Conducting stem cells research should be a constitutional right in California. Stem cells offer a renewable source to the replacement cells to treat diseases, conditions, and disabilities (Clemmitt 11). Support for such a cause is done by the sale of bonds to allocate money over a period of ten years to stem cell research and research facilities (Price). This money is needed to further discover cures and cannot be successful without adequate funding. The refunding used to finance stem cell research gives priority to human embryonic stem cell research (Clemmitt 12). The use of human embryonic stem cells leads to controversy among those who oppose the re-funding of Proposition 71. If there is a way that thousands of lives can be saved, why would you not support this Proposition? Think of how many lives could be saved when new cures are found for diseases such as heart disease if you vote yes. To start off, before voting for stem cells, you should be aware of what stem cells are and how they may benefit you. Stem cells are cells capable of renewing themselves as well as dividing over long periods of time to form specialized cells (Clark). These cells possess the capacity to replicate and start populations because they are known to be unspecialized.

Ahmed 2 Unspecialized stem cells are beneficial because they can give rise to many other types of specialized cells which may include heart muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells. Stem cells can be found in three to five day-old embryo known as a blastocyst and are found in the inner cells (Bethesda). The process of removing stem cells from an isolated human embryo causes a lot of debate and controversy about how using such cells is unethical. Studying stem cells can aid scientists in many different areas of health and medical research by gaining a knowledge and understanding of how the specialization of stem cells makes us who we are. A better understanding of cell development will allow scientists to understand and correct the errors that cause medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease (Bethesda). With the approval of this proposition, thousands of lives can be saved. The passing of proposition 71 can help lead this state one step closer to improving the lives of Americans. The mission is to improve and advance cell technology to enhance the bodys ability to regenerate cells. Investigations have already started taking place in California such as the CSN. As stated, In 2012, the Cell Surgical Network (CSN) was formed, of which we are an affiliate, to provide the same high level quality controlled investigational therapy nationwide and beyond. Under our IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved protocol, we in Silicon Valley are now also able to provide fat derived stem cell procedures on an investigational basis (Stem Cell). There are teams of physicians that are dedicated to helping patients get cured. For patients that deal with heart disease and cancer, the way that stem cells can help heal patients has to do with the unspecialized ability of the stem cells. Stem cells are, different from specialized cells, such as heart or blood cells, in that they can replicate many times, for long periods of time (Stem Cell). The ability to replicate can be known as proliferation. Stem cells develop into specialized cells for specific organs or develop into tissues. For example, this can be

Ahmed 3 helpful for patients suffering from a disease originating in the brain. The stem cells would have the ability to regenerate to aid in the replacement of damaged cells (Stem Cell Primer). There can be a number of ways in which stem cells may be useful to not one, but hundreds of diseases containing different extremes and conditions. Progression in this field of science can only happen with the support of the public to help find a cure for deadly diseases. There has been much progress already made for stem cell research. Scientists have been doing experiment with hESC (human embryonic stem cells) for decades. As stated, The NIH funded its first basic research study on hESCs in 2002. Since that time, biotechnology companies have built upon those basic foundations to begin developing stem cell-based human therapies (Bethesda). The more funding that these companies will be able to receive, the further the progression towards actually finding cures. Currently, there are clinical trials being held using human embryonic stem cells by a biotechnology company called ACT. ACT has started enrolling patients and is testing patients to treat a disease formed in the eye called, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, also known as SMD (Bethesda). This is actual proof of how there is already a breakthrough in possible cures for the above mentioned deadly diseases. Stem cell research is not banned but simply restricted in terms of funding and the way in which it can be used. In 2009, President Barack Obama issued an executive order allowing federal money to pay for ESC research (Stem Cell). The law was passed with the belief that working with human cells at their most basic could lead to breakthroughs in treating spinal cord injuries, Parkinsons, and other life-threatening conditions. Adult stem cell research could also be conducted in which cells may be gathered from a living person without harm. There is often misconception with where the money that deals with stem cell research comes from. Your familys taxpayer dollars do not support medical research. The funding comes from bonds and

Ahmed 4 this money could save lives with further research (Clark). Funding should be given for stem cell research as long as it is controlled. Others believe differently for the passing of proposition 71. I think individuals are mistaken when they believe that stem cell research cannot lead to finding new cures. It is often controversial that the use of the human embryo in stem cell research is unethical because it involves the destruction of the human embryo. Adult stem cells can be safely taken from adult human beings (Stem Cell Research in California). There is also evidence that suggests that, Some stem cell researchers are working to develop techniques of isolating stem cells that are as potent as embryonic stem cells, but do not require a human embryo (Speciale). On one hand, every American has a right to their own opinion. However, I consider it important that the people of California should not have to choose between life and science because it is a mere understanding that the public may have on how the use of stem cells is dangerous. Because of current misunderstandings, Religiously-motivated restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, however, have reduced scientists ability to pursue it (Speciale). Individuals just need to be educated on the benefits that stem cells bring for our future instead of believing misinterpreted information. With the correct resources and opportunities given to researchers to find a way to successfully use stem cells can benefit the people of California greatly. According to researchers, adult stem cells promise to radically change medicine by enhancing the bodys own capacity of healing itself (Speciale).Conducting stem cells research should be a constitutional right in California. Support for such a cause is done by the sale of bonds to allocate money over a period of ten years to stem cell research and research facilities. This money is needed to further discover cures and cannot be successful without adequate funding. Help the state of California in

Ahmed 5 sponsoring the further funding of stem cell research to continue to pursue research and save the lives of thousands of patients.

Ahmed 6 Works Cited Bethesda, MD. ""Frequently Asked Questions"" Stem Cells and Diseases [Stem Cell Information] . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. Clark, Chap. "Stem Cell Choices." - Chap Clark. Sojourners, Apr. 2007. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. Clemmitt, Marcia. "Stem Cell Research." CQ Researcher by CQ Press. CQ Researcher, 1 Sept. 2006. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2006090100>. Price, Tom. "Science and Religion." CQ Researcher by CQ Press. CQ Researcher, 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2013032200>. Speciale, Alessandro. "Vatican Gets Behind Adult Stem Cell Research." - Alessandro Speciale. Sojourners, 4 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. "Stem Cell Primer." National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. "Stem Cell Research in California." California's Stem Cell Agency. CIRM, 2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://www.cirm.ca.gov/our-progress/stem-cell-research-california>. "Stem Cell." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.