Lack of funds leaves U.S. research behind

by Whitney J. Davis

Daily Lobo columnist

Stem cell research is a hot issue wrapped up in an ethical war. Although ethics play a role in the debate, it is important to consider other dimensions. Stem cell research means so much more to the U.S. than a religious debate - it means economic potential, scientific advancement and, potentially, the end to many serious diseases.

In the U.S., stem cell research is not illegal. It simply is not allowed to receive federal funding. It can, however, be privately funded or funded by individual states. Originally, I thought this wasn't so bad. After all, it's perfectly legal to conduct research; it is simply not supported by taxpayers. But after looking into the issue, I found that it is not that simple. Stem cell research is in an early stage. It is unclear whether or not stem cells will be fruitful in terms of applied science. This makes it unlikely that private investors will offer significant funding. Simply speaking, the risks are too high, especially in the U.S., where many people oppose the research on ethical grounds.

This is not the case around the world. Countries such as the U.K. and Singapore have no qualms with the research and have fully funded it. Although I am happy to see that at least some countries have overcome a seemingly endless moral debate for the greater good and scientific progress, I am still concerned that the U.S. is missing out. The U.K. and Singapore are attracting some of our best scientists, causing a sort of brain drain here. Without the huge financial backing that federal funding provides, most U.S. researchers simply cannot keep up. This puts the U.S. at a serious disadvantage. If, and when, some benefit is found through stem cell research, the U.S. will be at the mercy of whoever holds the patent. Meanwhile, many of the scientists from the U.S. will follow the funding abroad, further weakening this country's scientific standing in the world.

Interestingly, U.S. students are lagging in terms of math and science skills compared to other countries around the world. There is serious concern among our nation's leaders about the future of science in this country because of the lack of interest and skill in the younger generations. Yet, we are willing to lose important scientists we cannot spare to other countries, because our government lacks the insight and stomach to support the advancement of science. Losing scientists means losing jobs, money and skills. Why is our government so willing to let some of our smartest and most skilled people slip away? It is a matter of priorities. Rather than truly considering the future of our country and economy, President Bush has decided to appeal to the religious right and stay out of it.

If we are truly concerned about the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research, it is important that, as a society, we develop some controls to prevent unethical actions. With its policy, the federal government has no say in the direction of the research or the regulations surrounding it.

Isn't the job of the government to work toward the greatest good while mitigating the possible negative outcomes, rather than to appease certain groups? We are losing our own scientists to countries that support stem cell research because our government does not want to directly oppose conservative religious groups. In a country that is supposed to be secular, what sort of message is this sending?

Whitney J. Davis is a UNM master's of business administration student with an emphasis in international business and

public policy.