1. Take action now and federally fund embryonic stem cell research. Take advantage of President Obama's lifting of the ban on federal funding in March. Congress should pass a funding bill before the end of session.
2. Never forget the entire debate centers on letting science work to promote cures for many diseases including, Parkinson's, diabetes, and various spinal cord injuries. For to long we have let ideology overrule science on this issue.
3. This debate also clearly centers on helping a young child manage or cure diabetes. Remember science takes time to work but we do not want or need to wait another five or ten years for action. Today's science equals tomorrow's cures.
4. Fund embryonic stem cells because unlike adult stem cells they can replace any tissue in the body. Adult cells can only replace those organs from which they originate.
5. Have an open and honest debate that clearly explains that we will never have to create embryos for the purpose of research. For too long the far right has spread lies about this research such as comparing it to cloning, which is clearly inaccurate.
6. Put together a panel with all sides represented to provide ethical oversight. For example, members of the religious community and non-profit advocates, as well as experts should be at the same table.
7. Medical professionals can explain that the left over cells in any fertility clinic will be a good way to start research, without raising ethical questions. Note if parents want to encourage adoption of left over cells by other couples in the clinic, they can do that. Nothing here would stop that.
8. We can honestly say that the choice is this simple; use the rest of the left over cells from a fertility clinic or discard them.
9. We need to have federal funding with national guidelines because a fifty state battle over funding and guidelines would become a real obstacle toward any significant progress in the research.
10. Pay for this research in a way that is similar to the funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. A tax increase on alcohol and tobacco products, only two to three cents per bottle or pack, is a good start.
