by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright February 5, 2001
All Rights Reserved.

ccentric opinions, tortured personal beliefs and pressure from the religious right shouldn’t interfere with medicine’s mandate to cure dreaded diseases. Afflicted with disabling Alzheimer’s disease, America’s most popular living president Ronald W. Reagan stands as cruel proof of how devastating illness makes no exceptions for royalty, millionaires or ex-presidents. Turning 90 March 6th, Reagan reminds all Americans about the importance of the government keeping its nose out of the scientific community. Unable to attend another inauguration, Reagan’s recovering from hip surgery, but incapable—according to recent press reports—of recalling that he was ever president of the United States. How ironic that Reagan signed an executive order prohibiting federal funding for fetal tissue research—the branch of science lending hope for eventual cures for diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, brain and spinal cord injuries, and, yes, even congenital blindness. Had the government supported fetal tissue research in 1980, scientists would no doubt be closer to a cure today.

       Eight years after President Clinton lifted Reagan’s ban on funding fetal tissue research, Dr. Curt Freed of the University of Colorado reported unequivocal success in treating Parkinson’s disease with fetal tissue implants. Using a rigorous double-blind study, Dr. Freed and his colleagues demonstrated that fetal tissue implants reversed disabling Parkinson’s symptoms, including muscular tremors and reduced mobility. “It shows clearly that the surgery can have powerful effects,” said Freed, “the question of whether these transplants can do anything is absolutely answered.” Freed’s breakthroughs are slated for publication in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. His research proves, beyond any doubt, the value of fetal tissue research, especially in the fledgling area of stem cell research. Moving aggressively offers patients suffering from incurable diseases the best possible hope of recovery. Closing the door or slamming it shut turns back the clock on eventual cures.

       Despite Freed’s discoveries, President George W. Bush sadly voiced his opposition to the use of fetal tissues from embryos and abortions—the lion’s share of necessary research materiel. “I believe there are some wonderful opportunities for adult stem cell research,” remarked Bush, “I believe we can find stem cells from fetuses that died a natural death. And I do not support research from aborted fetuses.” While $124 million is now spent on fetal tissue research, limiting the amount of fetal tissue throws a roadblock in scientists’ way. With Roe v. Wade the law of the land, what right does any elected official have to interfere with scientific research? If Rev. Jerry Falwell—God forbid—has a stroke, develops diabetes or gets Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, he’s entitled to state-of-the-art medical treatment, just as any other less dogmatic individual. When opting for coronary bypass surgery, few patients complain about the cruel animal experimentation used to refine the procedure. Debating philosophy is one thing, but interfering with medical science crosses a dangerous line.

       Poor President Reagan suffering from the living nightmare of Alzheimer’s disease, or so many of his conservative fans lament. If there were any way of restoring his mind—and unrestricted fetal tissue research holds out the best possible hope—they would seek any available medical option for his recovery. Laying-on hands, speaking in tongues, prayer vigils, and empty rhetoric about the evils of abortion won’t cure dreaded diseases. No politician has the right to interfere with medical progress—especially when it’s due to eccentric personal or religious beliefs. Not only is it unfair to patients suffering from hopeless diseases, but it compromises a branch of science that operates independent of political or religious ideology. Even the U.S. constitution’s inviolate separation of church and state couldn’t foresee banning the use of fetal tissue for scientific research. With short life spans and widespread diseases, the founding fathers would have welcomed any scientific advances to cure diseases and extend human life. Once the realm of science fiction, fetal tissue and stem cell research promises hope to otherwise hopeless patients. It’s not government’s place—for whatever rationale—to get in the way.

       “Smaller government, less regulation, lower taxes and more freedom for the people is at the very heart of Republicanism today. . . ,” said a spirited Ronald Reagan debating President Jimmy Carter back in 1980, urging his party to reject government’s unwarranted intrusion into the lives of private citizens. What could be more invasive than the government arbitrarily restricting scientific research into future medical cures? Fetal tissue research doesn’t violate coveted religious values, it raises the hackles of pro-life fanatics hell-bent on grandstanding about Roe v. Wade. Government must restrain, not encourage, irrational elements—especially faith-based special interest groups blocking medical progress. Dr. Freed’s successful transplants of fetal tissue into the brains of incurable Parkinson’s patients opens the door to important discoveries in diabetes, spinal cord injury and Alzheimer’s disease. Using fetal tissue—from whatever source—enables scientists to continue the painstaking work of making scientific discoveries for all humankind, regardless of religious or personal beliefs.

       Finding cures for dreaded diseases is the mission of medical science. Allowing bureaucrats to dictate the rules for scientific discovery turns the research community on its head. Historians don’t take their instructions from government bureaucrats—why should scientists exploring outer space or inside the human brain? How can you play laissez-faire when it comes to free trade, but micromanage America’s best scientific minds? Faith-based special interest groups have their place, but shouldn’t pressure the government into sabotaging scientific research. Citing Reagan frequently, President Bush shouldn’t forget his idol’s sacred promise to the American People: “To get government off your [the people’s] back and turn you loose to do the things you do so well.” Capitulating to special interests, adopting rigid ideology, cutting vital funding and blocking scientific discoveries is a step in the wrong direction. Telling scientists how to do their jobs is clearly out of line.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in political consulting and strategic public relations. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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