The debate on stem cell research polarizes people.

Those who support using stem cells to potentially repair damaged nerves and tissues, such as myself, often have strong personal reasons to benefit from this promising field of research.

Those against using stem cells typically believe so because of moral reasons. They may argue that it is destroying a potential life.

A potential life, mind you, that would likely come to the end of its existence in a biohazard waste can in the back of a fertility clinic.

Let’s be clear. My position on this delicate issue is not one that promotes creating and destroying fertilized eggs only for scientific research. I am not in favor of abortion, and there are plenty of perfect, already existing candidates for stem cells that would be otherwise discarded at fertility clinics across the country.

Other areas of the world use stem cells in medical procedures. Brazil, China, France, Spain, Portugal, Israel, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and even our neighbors to the north have policies in favor of stem cell research. Why don’t we?

As a leader in medicine and emerging technology, doesn’t the U.S. owe it not only to its citizens, but also to the world?

Perfecting stem cell procedures is the next step in medicinal progress that we, as a country, need to embrace.

Doing so can change the lives of many people living with disabilities forever.

A father of three with multiple sclerosis who has lost the function of his arms and the ability to provide for his family could be able to lift and hold his children – and resume working.

A cancer patient could feel what it’s like to be truly healthy again.

A patient with spinal cord injuries could walk again.

Whether or not you are personally affected by a condition that could be treated by stem cells or not, you probably know someone with one of the following conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, burns, spinal cord injuries and diabetes – all of these conditions could be treated using stem cells, according to the National Institute of Health.

For me, the whole argument boils down to this: I have a personal stake in this issue, and people on the opposing side who have nothing at stake are not affected if I start walking again.

I’m not saying I have a bad life, because I lead a very fulfilling one, even with my disability.

But if you don’t know what it’s like to not be able to walk or if you remain unaffected by any of the conditions previously mentioned, stay out of the debate and out of the way of stem cell research.

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