Yesterday on WTOP's "Ask the Governor" hour, Governor Kaine said that he opposed using taxpayer money for embryonic stem cell research. Kaine said that he believed "there are huge advances that can be made in adult stem cell research" and that "that's the way to go." As someone with a sister who's lived with Juvenile Diabetes for over 30 years and could really REALLY use a cure, I couldn't disagree more with Governor Kaine on this. The science on this is as clear as can be - it's NOT adult stem cell research that offers the hope for people suffering with Juvenile Diabetes, Parkinsons Disease, Alzheimers, paralysis, etc. It's EMBRYONIC stem cell research. Period. The reason? Pluripotency - the ability to differentiate into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent. Adult stem cells are not, which means they only form a limited number of cell types, severely limiting their potential curative and therapeutic potential.
Now, I realize that Tim Kaine is a religious Catholic, and maybe that's his rationale here. I don't know. But whatever the Governor's rationale on this, opposing state funding for embryonic stem cell research is not right at all - morally, scientifically, or politically.
I urge Tim Kaine to reconsider his position on this issue.
P.S. This issue was one of the factors that led me to strongly oppose George Allen, who voted against federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. It was also a factor in my backing for Jim Webb, who strongly supported public money for this life-saving research and appeared at a rally late in the campaign with embryonic stem cell advocate (and Parkinsons sufferer) Michael J. Fox.
Kaine should at the very least spell out his rationale completely. I think any leader in a democracy should explain the ideas behind their policy decisions.
I am with you 100% on this one.
And to those who say -- well, there's no proof that the embryonic cells will produce anything worthwhile -- fine. Just sign this pledge card that I'll be glad to mail you that you will never accept any medical advance from such technology, and will also withhold it from your minor children.
Because of his faith, Tim Kaine is against death penalty. Fine; I'm against death penalty myself and I'm an atheist. But he also said (during his campaign) that he would be able to separate his personal and his public personae when the issue came up. Why is he able to separate state and church when it comes to death issues but can't do the same when it comes to *life* issues?
Gift of Life has a kit for $36 dollars that they will send to your house. All you have to do is take some swabs inside your cheek and mail them back. They are primarily a Jewish organization, but I am pretty sure they will send the kit to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. You can also go to one of the drives and I believe they usually draw blood but it's free.
Many of the bone marrow organizations share data in a global registry, so if you're the right type for someone in need, your name probably will come up. I emailed about this specific question.
And something for expectant parents to consider is donating cord blood - donate cord blood.
Sometimes it helps to do something positive while waiting for everyone to "get it." It's especially important for ethnic minorities to build up the pool of potential donors.