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“Selling Stem Cells Honestly” is the headline this week over at the Biopolitical Times, which also says “it’s about time.”
The article appeared on the Internet site that is produced by the Center for Genetics and Society of Berkeley. The piece cites several recent efforts from within the stem cell community to highlight the risks of dubious, expensive stem cell treatments that are being offered domestically and internationally.
The article was written by Pete Shanks, who said the warnings are welcome. But Shanks, author of a book on human genetic engineering, added,
“A little perspective is called for, however: CIRM (the California stem cell agency) was sold to the public in 2004 with the strong implication that cures were imminent. The Proposition 71 Voters Guide argument in favor was presented by Cures for California, and the initiative was presented as ‘Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.’ (It was also going to be an economic miracle.)
“Scientists led the way in talking about ‘life-saving cures’ and advocates campaigned under the slogan...