As citizens in Texas go to vote on Tuesday, November 6, some are wondering if Proposition 15 has implications for stem cell research. It does, most likely as a significant boost for life-saving, ethical adult stem cell research and treatments for cancer. Texas Alliance for Life does not oppose Proposition 15.
Most pro-lifers are now aware that there are two kinds of stem cells, adult and embryonic. Adult stem cells are the good kind; unlike embryonic, they don't require the destruction of human embryos. Also, unlike embryonic, they have been successfully used to save the lives of more than 20,000 Americans. (Embryonic stem cells have never cured any diseases in humans.) Adult stem cell research is a compassionate and effective alternative to destroying innocent human embryos.
If passed by voters, Proposition 15 would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the sale of $3 billion in bonds for cancer research. Texas already leads the nation in treating cancer using adult stem cells. The MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston performs more than 600 adult stem cell procedures for adults and children each year. Corpus Christi is home to the Christus Spohn Cancer Center with a stem cell center that treats breast cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. In treating cancer, high dose chemotherapy intended to kill cancer cells may destroy the patient's bone marrow and immune system. Adult stem cells, given intravenously, migrate to the bones and regenerate the bone marrow and immune system.
Where do the adult stem cells come from? A sibling or person who is a genetic match might be the donor. Umbilical cord blood stored in one of Texas' two public umbilical cord banks is a rich source of adult stem cells. Or the patient may be the donor for himself. Embryonic stem cells are of no value to a cancer patient.
Presently, Texas uses no tax dollars for embryonic stem cell research, although there is no law to prevent it and there are several potential sources of research funds in the budgets of our public universities. The passage of Proposition 15 would not change that. To prevent future misuse of state research funds from any source, including Proposition 15, Texas Alliance for Life strongly supports the passage of a bill to limit state funds for any embryo-destructive research. That is one of our top goals for the next legislative session beginning in 2009. Pro-life Texans can help by signing the Petition on Public Funding for Stem Cell Research.
