The evidence continues to pour in that medical progress using stem cells does not require killing embryos to obtain their stem cells. One of the most recent research reports on success with non-embryonic stem cells even got the rare attention of the main-stream media. Researchers from Wake Forest University have established that stem cells found in the amniotic fluid that cushions babies in the womb have many properties similar to embryonic stem cells.

The amniotic cells have the ability to grow into brain, muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues. These cells can be used to treat many diseases and medical conditions. Anthony Atala, director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine stated, “They grow fast, as fast as embryonic stem cells, and they show great pluripotentiality,” referring to their ability to become various types of tissues. These stem cells avoid the problem of forming tumors that has been common with embryonic stem cells during experiments with animals.

Atala also said that the amniotic cells are so easy to obtain that they could produce thousands of stem cells lines in the lab and there would be enough to satisfy the stem cell needs of virtually every American. “If you banked 100,000 specimens, you’d be able to provide cells for 99% of the U.S. population with a perfect match for genetic transplantation,” Atala noted.

Ironically, news of this research received better than usual news coverage just days before the U.S. House of Representatives again voted to expand Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. President Bush vetoed a similar bill last year and is expected to veto it again.

A few months earlier, scientists in Switzerland reported they have grown human heart valves using stem cells taken from amniotic fluid. Their idea is to create these new valves in the lab while the pregnancy progresses and have them ready to implant in a baby with heart defects after it is born. “This may open a whole new therapy concept to the treatment of congenital heart defects,” said Dr. Simon Hoerstrup, a University of Zurich scientist who led the work, which was presented at an American Heart Association conference.

Why is Congress just ignoring where the real progress with stem cells is occurring? Will the recently passed ethics reform bill reduce the distorted effect that lobbyists pushing for embryonic stem cell funding have on how Congress votes?

Bill Beckman