Jim Ryun: “the goal of stem cell research should be to help our fellow human beings. The debate on this issue has, unfortunately…”

“the goal of stem cell research should be to help our fellow human beings. The debate on this issue has, unfortunately, moved into dangerous unethical territory when perfectly moral alternatives exist. Rather than debating about unethical methods of research, effective, principled alternatives should be sought out that successfully treat patients and offer potential channels for further treatment and research. There are countless opportunities besides embryonic stem cell research that have proven successful. Adult stem cells have shown great potential and have effectively helped patients. Another alternative is cord-blood stem cells. These are a neglected resource that could be used to treat a diverse body of people. Evidence has demonstrated that cord-blood stem cells have treated a variety of problems, such as spinal cord injuries and neurological diseases. By supporting H.R. 2520 later today, progress can be made in finding solutions to many medical questions we have to face. H.R. 2520 provides an ethical solution to this issue, and I encourage my colleagues to support it. ____________________”