After Stem Cell Research Claims, Calls for Human Cloning Ban Resume
Washington, DC
(LifeNews.com) -- Following claims made by a team of South Korean researchers who say they have successfully extracted stem cells from cloned human embryos, pro-life groups are stepping up the pressure on Congress to pass a complete ban on both forms of human cloning. The House of Representatives has passed a pro-life bill that would ban both human cloning for reproductive as well as research purposes. However, the Senate has been caught up in a debate between pro-life lawmakers who favor the total ban and pro-cloning lawmakers who are backing "clone and kill" legislation that would ban reproductive cloning but allow human embryos to be cloned and kill for experiments. Rep. Chris Smith (R) of New Jersey said a complete ban on all forms of human cloning is needed now. He also urged the United Nations to adopt a cloning ban as well, where a resolution to craft one has been postponed for one year. "Senator Hatch and others in the U.S. Senate need to stop blocking a total ban on human cloning so we can proceed to protect the dignity of human life," Congressman Smith said. "We also need an international ban on human cloning." Senator Sam Brownback (R) of Kansas, the sponsor of the total cloning ban in the Senate, said it's time for lawmakers to act and approve his legislation.
Cord Blood Stem Cells Prove Successful in Treating Heart Damage
Durham, NC
(LifeNews.com) -- While researchers in South Korea tout the potential success that could be gained from the use of embryonic stem cells, scientists at Duke University have concluded studies showing that adult stem cells from umbilical cord blood can rebuild damaged heart tissue. The Duke study proves for the first time that adult stem cells enter damaged heart tissue and rebuild it to prevent further damage. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have long been successful in treating heart, brain and liver defects in children with rare metabolic diseases. However, until the Duke study, researchers weren't sure whether the cells were actually rebuilding the damaged organs by morphing into the cells needed to rebuild the right kinds of tissues. "We've had convincing clinical evidence that stem cells from umbilical cord blood extended much farther than the blood-forming and immune systems, and that they can differentiate themselves into brain, heart, liver and bone cells," says Joanne Kurtzberg, director of the Pediatric Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program at Duke University. "But now we have examined heart tissue on a cellular level and proven that donor cells are not only present in heart tissue, but they have become heart muscle cells," she says.
Girl Scouts in Texas Cause Uproar With Planned Parenthood Support
Waco, TX
(LifeNews.com) -- Pro-life groups in the Waco area are calling for a boycott of Girl Scout cookies, following a regional girl scout organization's support of a Planned Parenthood event. Two area troops have pulled out of the organization over the Scouting organization's relationship with the nation's largest abortion business. The Bluebonnet Council of the Girl Scouts, to which 6,000 girls in 14 counties belong, has been criticized by pro-life groups for its sponsorship of Planned Parenthood's "Nobody's Fool" event aimed at educating minors about sexual education. The "education" includes literature saying abortion is an acceptable practice, Donna Coody of Brownie Troop 7087 told the Waco Tribune-Herald. The Girl Scout council has also recognized Planned Parenthood of Waco's chief executive, Pam Smallwood, as a "Woman of Distinction." Parents of girls involved in the scouting program were upset by the news. "That's not who I want as a role model for my daughter," said Lisa Aguilar, mother of a 10-year-old Girl Scout who broke down into tears when her parents explained Planned Parenthood's role in abortions.
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Missouri Groups Promote Pro-Life License Plate Legislation
Jefferson City, MO
(LifeNews.com) -- Pro-abortion organizations in Missouri are trying to put the brakes on the drive to put "Respect Life" license plates on state highways. Not only are abortion advocates threatening to take the issue to court -- they're also proposing their own "Freedom = Choice" plate. About a dozen states have authorized pro-life license plates. Those states include Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, Louisiana, Montana, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
South Dakota Lawmakers Promote Complete Human Cloning Ban
Pierre, SD
(LifeNews.com) -- Members of the South Dakota state legislature are pushing forward with legislation that would ensure the state bans all forms of human cloning. The proposal, that enjoys the backing of pro-life groups, made it through a state House committee on Friday. Pro-life Sen. Jay Duenwald (R) said it would close loopholes that would led scientists engage in reproductive human cloning. South Dakota already has a law in place banning experiments on human embryos, which would prevent scientists in the state from cloning human embryos to be killed in research for their stem cells. However, the bill is needed because the current law may not prohibit creating the embryos by cloning in the first place.