Stem Cell Research: How Far Do We Go?
Toronto, Ontario, November 20, 2004
Embryonic stem cells are the raw material from which we are all made. Every part of our body: our brains, our livers, our blood, our toenails, our eyelashes -- starts out as embryonic stem cells. Any one of these cells has the ability to turn into whatever body part it is instructed to become.
Scientists now have reason to believe that, if they can get the instructions right, we could someday direct these cells to make almost anything an ailing body might need. If you’re diabetic, stem cells could provide you with brand new insulin-producing cells. If you suffer from multiple sclerosis, stem cells could be told to patch up the fraying myelin coating on your brain’s wiring. If your liver is failing, stem cells could put together a new one for you.
The problem is, embryonic stem cells come from embryos. There is a lot of debate about how embryos should be treated. Are they humans or not? Even if they’re only potential humans, don’t potential humans deserve some measure of respect and protection?
On the afternoon of November 20, 2004, about 150 people gathered at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto to participate in a public forum entitled "Stem Cell Research: How Far Do We Go?" Together, the panel and the audience examined the issues.
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Meet the Panel:
- Barry Brown, M.A., Ph.D.
- Teren Clarke, R.N., B.N., M.M.
- Abdallah Daar, M.D., D.Phil., FRCP, FRCS, FRSC
- Trudo Lemmens, Cand. Jur., Lic. Jur., LL.M., D.C.L.
- Bob McDonald
- Janet Rossant, Ph.D.
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