STAFF ED: Regents’ stem cell vote upholds NU values

On Friday, the NU Board of Regents voted against a resolution that would have struck down the use of embryonic stem cells in research conducted on campus.

Not only does their vote uphold the option to use embryonic stem cells in research, but it also sends a strong message showing the NU Board of Regents stand behind scientific progress. As a campus and institute of research and education, this is central to our purpose. It would be a sad day for the university if the vote had gone the other way.

We commend the Regents for their narrow decision to strike down the resolution and uphold scientific research. We feel that their action will ensure Nebraska will be part of the expansion of scientific progress instead of being a blockade against it.

It's important to note that, in accordance to federal law, the stem cells used in the research are not gained through the creation or destruction of embryos, but instead are the by-product of fertility clinics. This specific and limited source of embryonic stem cells, we feel, is much different than the methods anti-abortion advocate  find most objectionable.

The steadfast opposition to embryonic stem cell research of those like the Nebraska Right to Life group and the political pressure they have brought to bear is worrisome, because it stagnates scientific and social progress.

Instead of pushing to find cures for diseases, medical research is often shorted in favor of the moral argument. Because of this, we especially want to thank Regent Jim McClurg for breaking from his endorsement from Nebraska Right to Life to vote against the resolution. As we reported, his break from the ranks was called "unfortunate" by Julie Schmit-Albin, who continued on to say that she didn't expect him to run again after losing a "huge base of support from the pro-life movement."

Although, according to Schmit-Albin, the vote may cost McClurg his seat, we still think it is a brave move for McClurg to make and shows that he is willing to stand by the ideals of the university rather than bend to political pressure.
We understand the qualms many groups may have with embryonic stem cell research, but we feel it would be even more irresponsible to pass up the chance to find cures to some very devastating diseases and injuries. No embryos will be harmed in the course of this research and many lives may someday be saved.