Ebryonmic Stem Cell Research- The Power to Cure Millions of Latinos

March 23, 2009 by Jennifer Brandt  
Filed under Health, Science & Environment

Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to cure diseases and injuries that affect millions of Americans, including Latinos who are the fastest growing segment of our population.  Every day, Latinos struggle disproportionately from chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, lupus and diabetes, and it is clear that we must provide scientists the resources needed to potentially save millions of lives.  Stem cell research holds great promise in finding new and better treatments for debilitating diseases.   72 percent of Americans and more than half of all Latinos (including 71 percent of Hispanic Catholics) support embryonic stem cell research.

Potentially Eliminates Health Disparities Among Latinos:

Latinos are disproportionately threatened by life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, and the promise of embryonic stem cell research could mean the difference between life and death.  Compared to whites, Latinos are almost twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes, and nearly half of Latino children born in the year 2000 are likely to develop diabetes in their lifetime.  Heart disease is also the leading cause of death for all Latinos, responsible for almost 30 percent of all Latino deaths and Latinos have a higher risk for lupus and certain cancers, such as stomach and cervical cancers.  As well, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the Latino population will increase six-fold by 2050.  

Embryonic stem cell research holds the key to unlocking the door to finding cures and treatments for the most debilitating diseases of our time, including those that disproportionately impact Latinos. 

Federal support of this research is also critical to keeping our nation competitive in a global economy.  President Obama’s overturning of the ban on stem cell research will ensure our government provides adequate resources for research that has the vast potential for curing diseases, alleviating suffering and saving lives.

Source: Sentor Robert Menedez’s Latino Leadership Links