.- The American College of Pediatricians is calling for an end to embryonic stem cell research and recommends the exclusive support of already proven effective adult stem cell research.
"Not only does embryonic research require taking the life of human embryos, it also prolongs needless suffering by delaying the development of more promising adult stem cell treatments and cures," said Dr. Michelle Cretella, a fellow of the American College of Pediatricians.
Research using non-embryo sources of stem cells, including amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta and adult blood, fat and various organs, have yielded impressive results.
These results include the routine use of adult stem cells in certain forms of cancer therapy. Over the last decade, these cells have been used to successfully treat spinal cord injuries, heart failure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and dozens of other conditions in human trials.
Instead, embryonic stem cell trials have produced the wrong tissue, forming tumors and triggering immune rejection.
“Every dollar spent on the failed and unnecessary process of embryonic stem cell research, steals resources away from the potential of adult stem cell research. This is fiscally irresponsible and medically unconscionable,” said a statement from the American College of Pediatricians.