Four out of the seven panelists favor using ESCR to find cures for Multiple Sclerosis, cancer and other debilitating illnesses.  Three argued in favor of adult stem cell research that’s proven to help patients suffering from more than 70 diseases.  Dr. John Gearhart with Johns Hopkins University favors the destructive research, but even he admits it’s going to be a long haul.

“It’s going to take years. Much of it is safety.”

Dr. Weyman Johnson of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society says forget the long odds, give us the money.

“I’m asking you today to expand federal policy on embryonic stem cell research and to ensure that research continues.”

On the other hand, Doug Rice, a patient with congestive heart failure and diabetes, told the committee he’s living proof that adult stem cells work.

“I used my own adult stem cells and a simple angioplasty procedure to have my life given back to me.  Your own, adult stem cells have so much more to give than we give them credit for.”

Several members of Congress also ignored adult stem cell successes.  Others, like Representative Tim Murphy, held up a little reported fact:

“The number of studies that have come out that have shown significant scientific results for embryonic stem cells is zero.”

The president has twice vetoed expansion of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.