Patients' voices: the powerful sound in the stem cell debate.
Millions of patients may benefit from the applications of stem cell research, although there is disagreement about whether public funds should be used to develop the science. Patients have been key to winning political support. Acting as advocates, they have contended that public investment will speed the research and bring accountability to biomedical technology. A political dispute about the new research, which holds the potential for cures to devastating diseases and to foster healthy aging, shows the need to respect public sensibilities and to court public approval, as well as the importance of involving patients in debates where the methods of biomedical discoveries and ethical beliefs collide.
Perry
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Alliance for Aging Research, 2021 K Street, NW, Suite 305, Washington, DC 20006, USA.
D001675:Bioethics; D035843:Biomedical Research; D033041:Embryo Research; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D035082:Federal Government; D033161:Government Regulation; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011057:Politics; D011639:Public Opinion; D011640:Public Policy; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D013234:Stem Cells; D014481:United States