Adult stem cells

Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that exist throughout the human body. They can divide to replenish dying cells, and also regenerate to repair damaged tissues. An example are olfactory cells in the nasal passages, which replenish to restore the sense of smell after suffering a cold.

Researchers have shown that adult stem cells from one germ layer can be converted into those of another, possibly making adult stem cells at least as useful for cures as embryonic stem cells might be. For example, adult stem cells have been able to turn marrow cells into heart muscle and blood vessels in humans. To the contrary, the weight of the scientific community suggests that embryonic stem cells are in fact unique in their scientific potential.

Those opposed to abortion believe that an "abortion lobby" squelches scientific knowledge of viable adult stem cell research, to make abortion seem more acceptable.Template:Fact-political Hence, it is argued, relatively little research is done on adult stem cells in the United States, and most of the advances are made in mostly pro-life countries.Template:Fact-political For example, in the case of a recently successful adult stem cell project for diabetics, "the research was done in Brazil because U.S. doctors were not interested in the approach." Brazil is a pro-life country that generally prohibits abortion.

Portugal, a traditionally pro-life country that bans abortion, is the leader in helping paralyzed victims with adult stem cell trials. In contrast New Zealand, a pro-abortion country that has legalized abortion, recently banned adult stem cell trials for paralyzed victims, despite pleas by victims to have access to these treatments.