Senate panel asked to back stem-cell research

OLYMPIA – Parkinson’s disease regularly robs Dennis Wright of his balance, ease of movement and ability to carry on a conversation, the Issaquah man told a Senate committee hearing Monday on stem-cell research.

Wright, 53, urged members of the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee to endorse a bill that would regulate such research generally, permit controversial research with embryonic stem cells and prohibit reproductive human cloning. Stem cells provided by adults also are used in research.

“Stem research offers great hope for so many people with so many diseases,” Wright told lawmakers.

Stem cells have the ability to develop into many types of cells. Adult stem cells, found in many tissues and organs, generally turn into cells similar to the tissue they came from, according to the National Institutes of Health.

But use of the much more flexible embryonic stem cells is contentious.

These cells, from early-stage human embryos created through in-vitro fertilization, can develop into a wide variety of specialized cell types, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of that flexibility, researchers believe embryonic stem cells have the greatest potential to lead to new treatments for diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

Opponents say using them is akin to destroying human life.

The state House approved the bill after an emotional debate. Legislators who oppose embryonic stem-cell research warned that the state was crossing a dangerous line.

Washington state law does not now address stem-cell research at all.

The bill would create a research advisory committee to develop guidelines.

Health-care providers would need written, informed consent from fertility patients before leftover embryos are earmarked for stem-cell research.

The bill would prohibit reproductive cloning and call for a $100,000 fine on those who attempt it.