Saxby Chambliss: “I rise today to speak about stem cell research. This is a very delicate and very tough issue and these are difficult…”

“I rise today to speak about stem cell research. This is a very delicate and very tough issue and these are difficult decisions that we will all have to make this week. Some scientists believe that advancement in research requires the creation and development of new embryonic stem cell lines. The truth of the matter is that there are very promising alternatives to embryonic stem cell research, such as stem cells from adult tissue like bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. These cells have repeatedly demonstrated the capability of turning into most tissue types providing the basis for advanced research to find cures for many diseases, including leukemia, Parkinson's disease, juvenile diabetes, sickle cell anemia, heart disease and spinal cord injuries. To date, we have seen promising results coming from the research that has been conducted on these types of cells. Doctors have successfully treated 69 diseases and injuries using adult stem cells such as Lupus, arthritis, liver damage, brain tumors and various forms of cancer. It is vital that we continue to conduct important medical research and continue producing these types of results providing hope for patients and their families. I am very thankful for the accomplishments that have been made in modern medicine, those of which many of us have already enjoyed or perhaps will in the future.…”