Of Politics and Placentas
Genuine | July 20President has obviously stuck to his original game plan in his stance on this issue, and although I agree with the stance in part, I decided to do my own research and read about the different types of stem cell research as well as to make sure I knew what the differences are between each.
During my research I found that there were three different sources where stem cells may be harvested. I know that sounds like such a PC way of say where you get them little buggers. The three places are through Adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and cord blood stem cells which includes the placenta. Sorry guys I know that is kind of a untalked about thing in the locker room but, as a veteran Father I have seen my share of placentas.
With the birth of our first three children, we donated the cord blood to a foundation that was run through the hospital. This was used for research, in addition, they were able to tell us through the donated blood whether each child carried certain characteristics where they may have diabetes. The fourth child was born in a new hospital and did not have the facilities to accommodate this type of donation.
Until we were given this opportunity, I never gave much thought to what happens to the stuff ( that’s a better description) after the baby comes. This now made me curious about what has been done in the past and what others are doing with their stuff. The internet is a great tool when you want to learn about trivial matters such as what happens to stuff and how stuff works.
Come to find out there is plenty of information on what is done with stuff. In fact Mothering.com has a fantastic article on the “Placenta Rituals and Folklore from around the World.” I did more and more research and it became more and more apparent that this miracle of nature we called childbirth is looked upon very differently depending on beliefs, religions and even regionally within the same country. Somehow I have digressed, but being a veteran Father as I am I can honestly say, I was so wrapped up in the “baby” part of things that I forgot all about the “rest” of the story.
You thought for certain this would be some sort of a rant or that I would take a stand on stem cell research, but it’s not that simple. I do believe that we have the power to do research that can save lives. I know the debate on both sides, but comes down to your own beliefs. You can wrap the stuff bury it in the yard, make a stew or just let the cosmetic companies use it. We chose to donate it for research and perhaps one day that research will eventually save a life. No, I don’t want to swap placenta recipes!
You can do embryonic stem cell research if you like, but it shouldn’t be funded with tax dollars. If ESCR is the salvation of humanity then private companies should be willing to fund the research because they’ll make billions of dollars later on. (Maybe Buffett and Gates would be willing to step in?)
I agree with you Genuine about doing research with the stuff, however, I agree with Jason too. When Bush said he VETOED the stem cell research issue I wanted to throw something at him but when I calmed down and realized that he wasn’t making the tax payers pay for it I felt better. I think that we the people should use the cord blood and other avenues to further research. That way it is on a more personal level and taxpayers who are totally against it won’t feel slighted.
I would have given anything to have been able to donate my miscarried fetus for stem-cell research.
There’s a “greater good” issue here. Bush didn’t veto it because of the taxpayers. He vetoed it because *he* thinks it’s morally wrong. The ban wasn’t lifted. Private companies can’t even do embryonic stem cell research because there’s a federal ban on it. So people like me, who would willingly donate (much like donar organs), can’t do so. There has to be some way to lift the ban while not using tax dollars.
I think Ronco makes a device for Placenta Jerkey.
Kidding aside I am not sure where I stand on the issue but I know we have donated the cord blood and other stuff for research.
And here the wife and I went and buried her placenta in the back yard . . .
Next time we’ll be able to sell it on the black market.
Thanks GW
SM,
I copied this from the press release which was transcribed from GW’s speech:
This balanced approach has worked. Under this policy, 21 human embryonic stem cell lines are currently in use in research that is eligible for federal funding. Each of these lines can be replicated many times. And as a result, the National Institutes of Health have helped make more than 700 shipments to researchers since 2001. There is no ban on embryonic stem cell research. To the contrary, even critics of my policy concede that these federally funded lines are being used in research every day by scientists around the world. My policy has allowed us to explore the potential of embryonic stem cells, and it has allowed America to continue to lead the world in this area.
I did a bucnh of research on this issue like I said.
Genuine
Genuine, in your research however, you seemed to have missed one point that SM correctly brings out. While under GW, it has been “allowed” to use “existing lines” of embryonic cell, no research institute that wishes to receive federal funds can accept “new lines” including “donated” lines of embryonic cells.
These “existing lines” are running dangerously thin, and as such will hinder (or is already hindering) by this.
However, I will disagree with SM on one thing, Bush did not veto this because *he* thinks it is wrong (although he may very well feel that way), he did it to pander to the neocons during mid-term elections. He also provided cover for GOP members that can now tell the people he voted for it, while still being able to tell groups like Focus on Family he knew the President would veto it.