Stem cells found in adipose tissue show great ethical promise

Responding to findings of pluripotent stem cells in adipose (fat) tissue, Father Joseph C. Howard, Jr., executive director of the American Bioethics Advisory Commission, said, "Such effective research poses no ethical problems, since human persons would not destroyed in the process of obtaining stem cells."

On the other hand, Father Howard said, "It is incumbent on President Bush to immediately ban experimentation on stem cells harvested from embryonic and aborted persons. To refuse to issue an executive order would signal crassness in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence confirming that the promise of stem cell research may be found only through ethical means. To fail to do so would provide political shelter for scientists seeking federal funds for experimentation that involves the killing of embryonic persons."

Father Howard said that stem cells obtained from adipose tissue -- removed from adult persons via standard liposuction techniques -- can be isolated and manipulated into a variety of desired cell types.

"This research launches us over the hurdle of finding and isolating adult stem cells. With firm resolve, we have the opportunity now to leave behind the horrors of embryonic stem cell experimentation which always involves the killing of human persons."

Release issued: 11 Apr 01