On January 9, 2006, just days before the U.S. House of Representatives was due to vote on legislation to fund research that involves the destruction of human embryos, researchers at Wake Forest University announced that they have been able to manipulate (change) stem cells found in the amniotic fluid (bag of water) of pregnant women. These amniotic stem cells have many properties of embryonic stem cells but, does not involve the destruction of embryos in order to obtain the stem cells.

The Washington Post reported: "They grow fast, as fast as embryonic stem cells, and they show great pluripotentiality, meaning they can become many kinds of tissues,....But they remain stable for years without forming tumors." Embryonic stem cells HAVE NOT been used to treat one single human being because of the extreme dangers shown in animal studies, which includes the formation of tumors.

The researchers who searched for ethical stem cell solutions should be commended...this latest breakthrough proves once again that there are promising alternatives to research that requires the destruction of human life." Pray for life and for those who are pressured--that they do not compromise their values, or convictions. Human Concerns Committee