University of Nebraska Regents to Take Comments on Stem Cell Policy

The University of Nebraska regents say they will take public comments as they consider whether to change a policy on stem cell research.

[Eleanor]

Please do not let the pro-lifers influence your decision on embryonic stem cell research at UNMC. Denying the opportunity to apply for federal funding for expanded escr would have a negative impact on Nebraska's reputation, would be a real blow to scientific progress, and would damage UNMC and the entire state economically. The Missouri State Auditor has determined that the initiatives sponsored by Missouri's right-to-life groups would cause millions of dollars worth of economic damage to Missouri if they were to be passed, and a resolution by the Regents banning expanded escr would do the same thing here.
Sincerely,
A UNMC grad,
Eleanor J.

[Eugene]

This seems to me to be a no-brainer. Of course we should pursue promising research in a field that could result in cures for Parkinsons, diabetes, etc. The proposed restriction seems to be religiously based and should not be allowed to block the research that could serve all of us.

[Laudatio]

We have thousands of people who signed the petition to stop stem cell research, we are goingfar in using adult stem cells.

[Mary]

Laudatio, "millions" trumps "thousands" any day. Millions of people want embryonic stem cell research to proceed. And could you please explain to me why throwing unused embryos away is better than allowing them to be used to create new stem cell lines? If the man and woman who donated the eggs and sperm to create embryos for the purpose of IVF are ok with the unneeded embryos being used to create stem cell lines, how is it your business to tell them they can't do that?
Besides, restricting the use of embryonic stem cells at UNMC will do NOTHING to stop the creation of new embryonic stem cell lines. It will only hurt UNMC and its ability to attract top researchers and funding.

[Shelley]

Embryonic stem cell research has not gone anywhere.We need to stop using the embryo and use the adult stem cells. We have gone a long way with stem cell research. Don't confuse adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell. Stop this nonsense it get on with curing the diseases with the stem cells that work.

[Larry]

Stem cell research needs to go forward if we are going to solve many diseases. This would help reduce our medical cost by millions of dollars and improve the quality of life for millions of people suffering from these diseases. I have been a type 1 diabetic for almost 60 years and they are doing DNA research on me at the Joslin Diabetic Center in Boston for the last 3 years to help find a cure for this disease. Stem cell research can only help.

[Mary]

Shelley, you clearly don't understand the issue. So please stop imposing your religious views on us.