Stem-cell controversy means little to the sick
Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
For 26-year-old Irawan, the global controversy over stem-cell cloning means very little as he believes such a procedure could lead to a cure for the kidney failure he has suffered for more than three years.
"I've been undergoing dialysis for almost two years, and since then, my life has been full of nothing but pills and pain. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing the battle and just want to give up. I wish I could just die so that all my pain would disappear," Irawan said on Tuesday.
It was not until he was told about stem-cell cloning that he saw a ray of hope.
"I don't exactly know what stem-cell cloning is, but I heard it can cure life-threatening illnesses like leukemia, diabetes and kidney failure. If it's true, then I totally support it (stem-cell cloning)," said the oldest of three siblings.
Still a source of debate in both western and Asian countries, stem-cell cloning is a procedure in which the cells -- extracted from the egg after it has divided for five days -- are taken and having their genetic information at the nucleus reinvigorated, so that new tissue can be grown with the same genetic code that matches the patient who needs it.
The growing cells might be used to replace brain cells damaged by life-threatening diseases. Patients with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, or replace the injured spinal cord of a paraplegic may also benefit from stem-cell cloning.
Those opposing stem-cell cloning, including the United States, say the procedure is unethical as the extraction process destroys the embryos, while supporters, including Britain, argue that the embryos are going to be destroyed anyway.
The controversy has yet to be over. Yet, it shows that Irawan's support and hope is shared by those who suffer from life-threatening diseases.
Famous Superman actor, the late Christopher Reeve, supported stem-cell cloning, as does Mary Tyler Moore sitcom actress, Mary Tyler Moore.
Reeve broke his neck when he was thrown from his horse nine years ago. He suffered a spinal cord injury and died recently after slipping into a coma.
Moore has suffered from diabetes for more than 30 years. Her illness has caused her to suffer impaired vision.
The Indonesian government had earlier announced that it took middle ground in responding to the controversy, saying it strongly rejects stem-cell cloning if the cells cloned are of living creatures.
The health ministry's head of research and development, Dini Latief, said the country had not been conducting any research on stem-cell cloning as it awaits until a uniform decision has been made by countries around the globe.
"We haven't conducted any research as we're still concerned that it (stem-cell cloning) is still a controversy. We'll conduct a research as soon as a uniform decision is made," said Dini.
The world may still be on the debate to decide whether or not stem-cell should be accepted. But to Irawan and those who suffer from life-threatening illnesses, there is only one wish that they hope would come true and that is accepting stem-cell cloning.
"When you've been suffering from kidney failure or other terrible illnesses that require you to go through fierce feelings of pain and put you through a lifetime of agony, you'll understand why I support stem-cell cloning," said Irawan.