Isle supporters, opponents
criticize Bush plan

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By B.J. Reyes
breyes@starbulletin.com

In Hawaii, people on both sides of the debate over embryonic stem cells criticized President Bush's decision to support federal funding for limited research of such cells.

"I was really disappointed," said Timothy Donlon, director of the genetics laboratory at the Queen's Medical Center. "It'll stop research on stem cells in this country, and we will fall behind other countries. The other countries of the world must be laughing at us."

The Rev. Marc Alexander, theologian for the Catholic Diocese on Oahu, said he also was disheartened by the president's decision, which limits federal funding to research on existing lines of embryonic stem cells.

"By supporting such federal funding, he's allowing an unethical means to be utilized for a noble end," Alexander said.

Stem cells are created by removing an inner cell mass from a 5- to 7-day-old embryo, which kills the embryo. Stem cells are capable of developing into any of the body's organs but not into a complete individual.

The debate centers on research of stem cells removed from embryos that are left over from fertility treatments and would otherwise be discarded.

Opponents of such research insist it is wrong to use human embryos for research. Supporters see great potential for developing treatments for illnesses such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

"If we can find ways to reduce suffering and reduce or eliminate diseases, I think we should put our efforts into that research," Donlon said.

The American Diabetes Association supports stem cell research as long as it is consistent with federal guidelines, said Wendy Sefo, executive director of the organization's Hawaii chapter.

"We know that it can dramatically affect progress in finding a cure," she said.

Dr. Patricia Blanchette, president of the Hawaii chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, said she was encouraged by Bush's decision because "at least it's not a total ban.

"It gives some researchers an opportunity to work within very defined parameters to see where this research might lead," she said. "If it's found that the parameters are too limited, I'm sure we will hear about it, and they will come back and ask for a widening of the permission."

Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi, a University of Hawaii professor of anatomy and reproduction who does stem cell research with mice, said he felt Bush made the best decision he could.

"Yes, we shouldn't close the door," said Yanagimachi, who made history in 1998 leading a team that cloned five generations of female mice. "This is one step forward. I think it is in the right direction."

Opponents of embryonic stem cell research include anti-abortion groups and the Catholic Church.

"I don't understand why they continue to put so much hope in embryonic stem cell research when, as yet, there has been no cure or therapy that has depended on embryonic stem cell research," said the theologian Alexander. "It's unethical anyway, but when you combine it with the fact that the research hasn't produced any results ... why do we have to move in this direction?"

John Long, executive director of Hawaii Right to Life, said he is glad the president's decision did not go any further than it did, but he still was unhappy that federal funds would support any such experiments.

"He's saying that we're going to experiment on the dead embryos that have already been killed -- to me there's something a little ghoulish about that," Long said. "Where do we stop? From there we just go on to say, 'Well, gee, the homeless are going to die anyway, prisoners on death row are going to die anyway. ... Why don't we start disemboweling prisoners for research?'"

Long said he is hopeful that the president's decision is not the final straw in the debate over stem cell research.

"I'm hoping that reasoned men and women will sit down and talk with him ... and maybe he'll revisit it again."

STEM CELL RESEARCH: Views from both sides President Bush has made his decision on the controversial issue of whether to fund embryonic stem cell research. Here is what some prominent leaders have said on the issue.

* Quote from January 1999, when Thompson was governor of Wisconsin. ** Quoted from letter, also signed by Reps. Tom Delay, R-Texas, and J.C. Watts, R-Okla. Source: Compiled from AP wire reports ASSOCIATED PRESS