COMMENTARY | It almost seems to be a contradiction to have a politician both pandering to the religious right and promoting the benefits of stem cell therapy at the same time. But that's what Rick Perry is doing, and it's possible that most reasonable people would agree with him on it, too. After all, the stem cells used in his spinal treatments came from his own body.
As is often the case here in the United States, we have bureaucrats hampering the advancement of medical science, yet again, due to the possibility of risks from the treatment. Ironically, the board is comprised of 19 volunteers, all appointed by the Texas Governor - 12 of them physicians.
While people are suffering and dying from a range of diseases which could possibly be treated by adult stem cell therapy, researchers do not need to be held back by the fears of politicians, whether state or federal. Fortunately, at least the Texas state medical board has at least withheld a decision on whether to restrict the type of treatment until this April.
Where he's right is in telling the board "It is critical that we continue to foster an environment that encourages technological advancement in the health care arena," in a letter opposing greater oversight of the procedures. The position supporting less restrictions on research isn't just in hopes of creating more jobs. This issue affects the health and lives of everyone on Earth, regardless of political beliefs. On this point, we should all lend Rick Perry our support.
Various stem cell therapies repeatedly show promise, even in cases of advanced age, when treating patients suffering from blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Politics has no place in a doctor's office, anymore than they would play a beneficial role in most other areas of life. If restrictive laws get in the way of advances in medical science, we need to change the law, not restrict the research. Should anyone's personal beliefs be imposed on the rest of society, whether they agree or not?
Having received the benefits of an experimental adult stem cell treatment himself, the Texas Governor has seen the potential benefit to mankind the research could bring. While not everything he claims is what some of us hope for in a presidential candidate, it seems reasonable to agree with him where he is right.
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