Fat a source for stem cells

LOS ANGELES, Calif – Human fat collected by liposuction shows promise of providing a plentiful and ethical source of replacement cells for a variety of medical treatments, illustrating that the perceived need for embryonic stem cells is wrong. Researchers from two American Universities, UCLA and University of Pittsburgh, have isolated stem cells (cells with the potential to become virtually any type of tissue) from fat and converted them into bone, cartilage and muscle. “This could take the air right out of the debate about embryonic stem cells,” said Dr. Mark Hedrick of UCLA, the lead author of the study. Use of liposuctioned fat is less painful and provides a thousand times more stem cells. Also, using one’s own fat would eliminate the problem of rejection of implanted cells. The researchers estimate that clinical trials could be five years away.

California gets non-prescription MAPs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California legislators passed a bill allowing women to obtain the “morning-after” contraceptive pill without a doctor’s prescription. As all eyes were on the tragic events on the east coast, California became the second state (Washington was the first) to permit pharmacists to dispense the medication, which often works abortifaciently, to women who haven’t first seen a doctor. Pro-life groups noted parents will not be notified when their children are receiving the pill. Not surprisingly, the Los Angeles Times reported, “Executives at the two companies that market the pills – Women’s Capital Corp. and Gynetics – praised the legislation, which is expected to spur sales of the medication.”

Court rules against Scheidler

CHICAGO, Ill. – On Oct. 2, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the Federal District Court finding in the RICO case, National Organization of Women v. Scheidler. “By now, we have grown accustomed to hostile rulings by the judiciary,” said Joseph M. Scheidler, national director of the Pro-Life Action League. Scheidler and co-defendants Andrew Scholberg, Timothy Murphy, the Pro-Life Action League and Operation Rescue were found guilty of RICO violations after a seven-week trial in the spring of 1998. Scheidler accused the judiciary of ignoring facts and NOW of misrepresenting what actually happened. For example, the court stated defendants Murphy and Scholberg were and still are on the board of directors of the Pro-Life Action League, when in fact, neither has ever been on the board. Furthermore, the Court of Appeals wrote that the Pro-Life Action Network “co-ordinated a hotline that potential protesters could call to get information about upcoming missions,” even though court testimony revealed that while such a hotline was once proposed, it was never established and never existed. Scheidler predicted the case would be appealed to the full Court of Appeals and probably the U.S. Supreme Court.

Waiting period takes effect

RICHMOND, Vg. – Virginia’s abortion waiting period law went into effect Oct. 1, wherein all women requesting non-medical emergency abortions will be required to undergo counselling 24 hours in advance of the abortion. The counselling, which may be given over the telephone, must describe the risks of abortions as well as the alternatives.

No boon for RU-486

NEW, YORK NY – Nearly a year after the RU-486 abortion drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation has found that it has not made much difference to the way most abortions are committed. Only six per cent of gynecologists and 1 per cent of general practitioners had provided the drug, while just 16 per cent of gynecologists said that they were likely to prescribe the drug in the year ahead. A spokesman for National Right to Life welcomed the results and suggested that many doctors did not want to be involved in the promotion of the abortion pill.

Pavone leaving Priests for Life

NEW, YORK, N.Y. – Fr. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, has been recalled by his bishop, Cardinal Edward Egan, to resume full-time ministry in the archdiocese of New York. Fr Pavone had been appointed to lead Priests for Life by Cardinal John O’Connor in 1993, but Cardinal Egan is facing a shortage of parish priests. Fr. Pavone’s successor has yet to be announced.