In her blog “Therapeutic Misconception At Its Worst” Dr. Summer Johnson, PhD examines the website http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org and the leading nature of the copy on the site. Stem cell research is a valuable field and, from these anything cells can come a host of possible treatments for various human ailments; but the closer look website leads the reader to believe that there are stem cell treatments available and that one can go to one’s doctor and request such treatment. This simply is not the case and stem cell research is just that, research.
This is certainly an issue of epic ethical proportion. By the time that a person reaches the point where they’re willing to try experimental procedures they are grasping at straws. By and large people understand that there comes a point when there are no viable treatment options and their battle is, for all intents and purposes, lost. It is often not until this point that people begin to truly accept the full direness of their situation and are able to start making final plans and preparations. This is when they can begin to have a “good death” as Dr. Ira Byock would say.
The stem cell website is “aimed” at providing information regarding stem cell treatments and what to look for and ask about. It tells its readers of “costly, unproven, and harmful “treatments” that some have described as the “21st century version of snake oil”. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Johnson (and me, I checked out the website) the site does promote a false hope by touting nonexistent “treatments” which are actually tests and trials.
What, if any, ethical implications and lines are being crossed by this organization – in your opinion? It angers me to give people false hope in the face of uncertainty. You?
Dan, your second paragraph really grabbed me. It’s important for the ill person and those who and care for them to have sensible, honest, and caring diagnosis. Unfortunately, the error can go both ways: in giving up too early or prolonging testing long past the point of nonsense. Unrealistic claims regarding stem cell treatments are shameful. Great headline btw.
Colleen – thanks for stopping by and commenting. I was doing some research for class and found this website and a blog that referenced it. It is somewhat sickening the way that they seem to be portraying the research, parading it as treatment.