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Erythrocytes are highly antigenic. We survive blood transfusion now because of unimpeded research into the causes of transfusion reactions, primarily before 1950.

We will learn to reverse spinal chord injury paralysis et al. similarly through unimpeded research.

Drug suppression of the immune system is definitely a serious problem. Study and research may well provide more satisfactory solutions.

Evaluation of mature somatic stem-cells may yield results, but it may not. Bush's policy toward this enormously important research is far too restrictive (and this from one of Bush's strongest supporters).

True, erythrocytes are antigenic, but except in very rare cases, only A, B, and Rh need to be considered. Most of us can tolerate blood that has been matched only for those factors (and tested for an ever-increasing number of diseases) with no ill reaction, and no treatment. That research was required, was performed, and we all benefit from it.

And I also believe that much will be accomplished to repair spinal cord injuries, but I also believe that effective therapies will finally be derived from somatic stem cells taken from the patient's own body, not extracted from living embryos mined for their parts. As I said above, I am willing to accept what cannot be changed, and use existing cell lines for research. But we don't need to start up human embryo farms so that some researcher can play with human life.

Instead, formulate a good hypothesis and a research plan, and if only embryonic stem cells can be used, justify obtaining and using cells from an existing line to investigate your theory. Respect life, beginning, middle, and end.