Changes

Researchers have found a certain type of adult stem cells that may be able to be converted into those of other types, making adult stem cells as useful as [[embryonic stem cells]].  For example, adult stem cells have been able to turn marrow cells into heart muscle and blood vessels in rats.<ref>http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/fact401.htm</ref>

Researchers have found a certain type of adult stem cells that may be able to be converted into those of other types, making adult stem cells as useful as [[embryonic stem cells]].  For example, adult stem cells have been able to turn marrow cells into heart muscle and blood vessels in rats.<ref>http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/fact401.htm</ref>

While the United States has the largest medical research budget in the world, it also has the most politically powerful [[abortion]] industry.  The industry favors embryonic stem cell research over adult stem cell research in order to legitimize abortion.<ref>On the issue of fetal research, Planned Parenthood Federation of American President Gloria Feldt wrote, "'''[[Planned Parenthood]] supports research using fetal tissue''' in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines and are deeply concerned about the attempt by some to profit from the humanitarian contributions of courageous women."[http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/prochoicepress/00spring.shtml] (emphasis added)</ref> Hence relatively little research is done on adult stem cells in the United States, and most of the advances are made in traditionally pro-life countries.  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."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/04/10/diabetes.experiment.ap/index.html</ref>  Brazil is a pro-life country that generally prohibits abortion.<ref>http://www.abortionfacts.com/statistics/world_statistics_brazil.asp</ref>

Relatively little research is done on adult stem cells in the United States, and most of the advances are made in traditionally pro-life countries.{{fact}} 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."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/04/10/diabetes.experiment.ap/index.html</ref>  Brazil is a pro-life country that generally prohibits abortion.<ref>http://www.abortionfacts.com/statistics/world_statistics_brazil.asp</ref>

Portugal, a traditionally pro-life country that had banned abortion,<ref>Only in April 2007 did Portugal legalize early abortions.[http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/apr/07041001.html]</ref> is active in helping paralyzed victims with adult stem cell trials.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20040624/paralysis-patients-tout-adult-stem-cells</ref>  In contrast New Zealand, a pro-abortion country that has legalized abortion,<ref>http://www.abortion.gen.nz/legal/index.html</ref> recently banned adult stem cell trials for paralyzed victims, despite pleas by victims to have access to these treatments.<ref>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=0004FB3D-2994-15E5-9B1E83027AF1010F</ref>

Portugal, a traditionally pro-life country that had banned abortion,<ref>Only in April 2007 did Portugal legalize early abortions.[http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/apr/07041001.html]</ref> is active in helping paralyzed victims with adult stem cell trials.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20040624/paralysis-patients-tout-adult-stem-cells</ref>  In contrast New Zealand, a pro-abortion country that has legalized abortion,<ref>http://www.abortion.gen.nz/legal/index.html</ref> recently banned adult stem cell trials for paralyzed victims, despite pleas by victims to have access to these treatments.<ref>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=0004FB3D-2994-15E5-9B1E83027AF1010F</ref>