The Australian Government Should Provide Funding For Stem Cell research

Induced pluripotent stem cell technology is relatively new and needs to get to the stage where they are deemed safe to use in transplants. The stem cells found in umbilical cord blood also needs to be supported: there are only five hospitals in Sydney that have collection cord banks for the storing of umbilical cords and often this storage costs thousands of dollars even if you are just donating to research. We need the government to fund this research of induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as funding more affordable storage of cord blood. As individuals, groups, and communities we need to raise awareness, be educated and make a difference so that these cells can reach their full potential in medicine in the future. The Australian government is yet to realise the potential of stem cells, evident in their stop-start funding of stem cell research and we are one of the only countries in the world with a laboratory that is not able to be involved in stem cell research, due to our government’s lack of funding. So, I propose as a start, if you believe in making stem cells the centre of future medicine, sign this petition and let’s prevent the suffering of so many people all around the world. Why waste such potential that could preserve our future generations?