TGIF November 2, 2007 Author Yvonne Perry

This week on Writers in the Sky Podcast Barbara Milbourn interviews Yvonne Perry about her book on stem cell research.

President Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act twice during his term in office. This legislation would not have created new blastocysts (mistakenly called embryos); however, it would have kept some leftover blastocysts from being thrown away. They could have been used for research to possibly find cures for disease. There are only a few NIH-approved stem cell lines being used for research and funded by US dollars. However, most of those cell lines are contaminated, created by obsolete technology, and do not represent a great diversity of genetics. The legislation would have allowed funding for research on healthier lines that are easier to work with and genetically represent more of the population.

Click here to listen to Part One...

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the term “embryonic” stem cell research is a misnomer? The research is not performed on a fish-like embryo; it is conducted outside the body on a cluster of cells known as a blastocyst.

…that fertilization and conception are two separate occurrences? Many people believe they are one in the same and think that when an egg is fertilized it is automatically an embryo. With in-vitro assistance as part of the reproductive process, fertilization can occur inside or outside the body. Conception can not. An embryo is the product of conception which can only take place inside the uterus. Conception can be confirmed by testing hCG levels in the mother's blood.

…that there is a difference between an embryo and a blastocyst? The term embryo is used to refer to the first two months of development after conception. Conception cannot occur in a laboratory. Only blastocysts, eggs, sperm, zygotes and morulas exist in fertility clinics.

…that adult stem cells and those found in cord blood and amniotic fluid do not have the same properties? They can not do the same things. They have distinctively different abilities.

…that there is Biblical proof that blastocystic stem cell research is a gift from our Creator? Scriptures show that according to John 1:3, “All things are created by God and without Him nothing has been created that was created.” Stem cell technology used to create healing is part of God’s perfect plan. We have the privilege to carefully use the knowledge and abilities we are given.

…that the Bush Administration’s right-wing stance on blastocystic stem cell research is based on a minority opinion that cannot be supported by scientific fact or scripture? Those in opposition have no biological basis for believing that stem cells derived from 3- to 5-day-old fertilized eggs cultivated in a laboratory are human embryos.

Click here to listen to Part Two...

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, author, speaker, and owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services, a team of full-time freelance ghostwriters and editors in Nashville, Tennessee. She writes about educational topics that uplift the spirit and inspire excellence. Her writing style is lovingly controversial and absolutely eye opening.