People throughout Wisconsin should be proud of UW-Madison's pioneering role in embryonic stem cell research. It is bringing very positive worldwide attention to our state. And it is having a major impact on our state's economy by attracting large amounts of federal and private research funds and helping to spawn a growing community of life science companies.

Research into embryonic stem cells holds vast promise for treating a host of debilitating and fatal cell-based diseases. It could improve the lives of millions of people who suffer from such afflictions as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, ALS, and some forms of cancer, among others.

In 1998, Dr. James Thomson made UW-Madison the center of the stem cell universe when he became the first researcher to isolate human embryonic stem cells. Since then, the university, along with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), has continued to grow its commitment to and involvement in embryonic stem cell research.

Today, there are at least 68 scientists engaged in stem cell research on campus, attracting more than $27 million in federal and private grants. Some 44 scientific publications have been authored by UW-Madison stem cell scientists. WARF continues to work with entrepreneurs who are committed to creating stem cell-related companies.

As with most research, there are ethical questions that arise with embryonic stem cell research. Employing the expertise of faculty members and others, the university is addressing these questions as it proceeds with the research.

Some claim that the research can be conducted just as well using adult stem cells, but this just is not the case. Among the disadvantages of adult stem cells are the fact that they tend to be scarce and are not found in all tissues or organs of the body. In addition, they do not live as long and show no ability to proliferate into quantities that can effectively be used in research or therapy.

PROFS opposes restrictions on stem cell research

PROFS, Inc. wants to make sure the stem cell research on campus is allowed to continue and grow. To accomplish this goal, PROFS is closely monitoring developments at the state and federal levels that could affect the research and engaging in lobbying when necessary.

A variety of proposals have been introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature that are designed to restrict or completely ban stem cell research at state universities, including UW-Madison. PROFS has strongly opposed these proposals and has worked with pro-stem cell coalitions to stop them. 

While the state proposals have not been passed into law, they are not helpful. Even the perception that Wisconsin's legislators are hostile to stem cell research sends a chilling message to the state's scientists, as well as the international biotechnology, scientific and business communities.

At the federal level, President George W. Bush, with the assistance of former Wisconsin Tommy Thompson, Bush's health and human services secretary, crafted a compromise on embryonic stem cell research. The policy provides federal funding of research on stem cell lines that existed before August 9, 2001. UW-Madison has received significant funding under this policy.

PROFS believes it may be necessary to change the Bush policy in order to continue the research. PROFS has lobbied on behalf of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research funding in meetings with members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation and as part of coalitions that support stem cell research.

Public supports embryonic stem cell research

Polls consistently show that the public at large supports embryonic stem cell research. One national poll found that two out of three voters favor a change in President Bush's policy. Even groups such as evangelical Christians and Republicans support the research after hearing a description of the process and potential of the research.

People support embryonic stem cell research when they know that the embryos used are surplus, donated knowingly and willingly by couples who have finished undergoing treatment for infertility. These spare embryos, less than a week old and unable to grow unless planted in the womb, would be discarded without any benefit if couples no longer have the option to donate them for research.

The stakes are high

Make no mistake about it. The stakes are high and the competition is fierce. California has a referendum on its November 2004 ballot that would inject three billion dollars into stem cell research in that state, creating 12 to 15 new research centers. Other countries, including Great Britain, are moving ahead with aggressive plans to promote stem cell research.

It is time for the state's leaders to get fully behind embryonic stem cell research. We have a major opportunity to make a real difference and boost our economy at the same time. PROFS, Inc. will continue to play an active role in this campaign