2007: Beginning of the end for the stem-cell wars?

Published: 2007-12-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In the years ahead, 2007 may come to be remembered as the beginning of the end for the debate over embryonic versus adult stem cells. In November, separate studies from teams in Japan and the United States showed that human skin cells can be reprogrammed to work as effectively as embryonic stem cells, thus negating the need to destroy embryos in the name of science. "I do not know if those who have invested money and passed laws precisely to allow this (embryonic stem-cell research) will be able to recognize their error and turn back, but at least the scientists who want to achieve results will go looking where they have been proven to be found," said Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, in a Vatican Radio interview. Embryos have long been touted by some scientists as the only source of stem cells capable of becoming any of the 220 types of cells in the human body, but church leaders have said no possible scientific advance could justify the destruction of human embryos.

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