If we fail to bring the necessary research technology into the mainstream now, our children and grandchildren may need to leave the United States to benefit from treatments other nations are currently developing. Our research scientists must be able to adopt and use embryonic stem-cell technology as they pursue its use in the treatment of many degenerative diseases. Such research has promise, but it must be nurtured to flourish.
We hope that the advances resulting from stem-cell technology will bring new tools to medical care. In the hypothetical example described above, progress in research would be reported at each step. As journal editors, we undertake to review dispassionately any work on stem cells that is submitted to us. We pledge to report true advances. But for us to do so, the journey must be started. As each significant step brings us closer to the goal, we will be there to report the progress; it would be nice if some of this progress could be made within the United States.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/351/17/1789?query=TOC
This is a fascinating editorial from the New England Journal of Medicine, and brings up a very important point. The United States has always been at the forefront of medicine. Should we fall behind, and maybe relinquish the possiblility of important medical advances, because of the parochial religious views of some of our leaders?