Category Archives: Louisiana Stem Cells

Stem cell therapy, or regenerative medicine, is part of a growing conservative treatment option for patients wishing to avoid surgical intervention.Helping Our Spinal Disc Heal Itself

The International Spine Institute, serving Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, is excited to offer stem cell therapy, an innovative and truly least invasive treatment option for patients suffering from low back pain. The growing field known as regenerative medicine includes the use of your bodys own stem cells to treat injuries to your spinal discs caused by degenerative disc disease.

Were just the facilitators helping the body to heal itself. Sometimes the best way to fix something is to put things in place and let the body do all the work. Marco Rodriguez, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue to read more about what stem cells are and how they may be helpful for you. Call us to see if you could be a candidate for stem cell therapy at the International Spine Institute.

Call (225) 313-4700 Now

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become specialized types of cells. There are two types of stems cells: embryonic or adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a human fetus. Because of ethical concerns with these types of stem cells, they are not used in our practice. Adult stem cells can be derived from your own body. Adult stem cells used to treat musculoskeletal issues are known as mesenchymal stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into cartilage cells, fat cells, and bone cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells coordinate the healing process by creating scar then sealing and healing the injury. Since there is an inadequate blood supply in your spinal disc, stem cells do not readily get to a painful disc tear in order to heal and seal it. Therefore, using a sterile technique, we harvest your own stem cells from your bodys bone marrow located in your hip bone (iliac bone). These cells are concentrated and reintroduced to the injured or torn disc, in order to seal and heal the disc, resulting in diminished and decreased pain.

Regenerative medicine or stem cell therapy offers an excellent option for treating severe back pain and disability due to painful spinal conditions, like discogenicback pain. Historically, therapies did not exist to slow or regenerate the degenerative disc process, often leaving surgery as the only option. In select patients, there is now hope of a less invasive regenerative disc therapy that may be able to seal and heal the degenerated spinal disc.

In the United States, greater than 400,000 lumbar micro-discectomies and 500,000 spine fusions are performed each year for lumbar degenerative disc symptoms. Physicians and patients alike prefer long-term healing from these spine-related conditions without surgery. At ISI, we are currently able to offer a stem cell therapy option for qualified candidates.

Stem cell therapy performed by our surgeon, Dr. Rodriguez, is an innovative and Least Invasive way to use your bodys own stem cells to treat chronic painful spinal conditions and disc injuries, that have not improved following conservative, non-surgical treatments. Many patients that visit us have tried all types of treatments as alternatives to invasive spinal surgery.

Currently, the stem cell therapy conducted by Dr. Marco Rodriguez isan individualized treatment and is considered investigational.

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Stem Cell Therapy | International Spine Institute - Baton ...

Embryonic stem cells, on their face value, are truly beautiful and amazing part of human development since they are the foundational cells for every cell in the human body! And because of the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and the corresponding supposed hope for medicinal use, researchs have sought to isolate these hESC. However, because theses stem cells are a necessary part of the embryos development, isolating the hESC necesitates the destruction of the embryo, which turns what was beautiful into a disgrace.

In human embryonic stem cell research (hESCR), the beauty of the human blastocyst is destroyed for the sake of using these hESC to treat other diseases. The stem cells of the human blastocyst are removed, leaving the blastocyst dead and unable to continue its maturation process. The image at the right indicates this process.

These cells are then placed in a pietri dish and are encouraged to multiply undifferentiated until a stem cell line is created. Then, these lines are either immediately frozen for later experimentation, or they are experimented on to see how they differentiate into specific cells, at what rate the differentiation is done, and how the differentiation can be controlled.

While many scientists see hESCR as the holy grail of medicine, it is alarming to note that neither any treatments or cures have materalized through the use of hESCR. In fact, they omit that their is no timeframe as to when treatments or cures will materialize.

However, there are significant problems with hESCR:

Because of these two problems, researchers need to research more to diagnose these problems. To research more, scientists need more human embryonic stem cells, which, of course, means more destrution of embryos to obtain the stem cells.

Lets break down how scientists isolate hESC.

1)In Vitro Fertilization: in In Vitro Fertilization, many eggs are taken from the mothersbody and placed in a pietri dish with sperm of the father. Many eggs are fertilized in this controlled process to increase the chances of successful development. However, only one fertilized egg is placed within the womb of the mother to be carried to term. The rest of the fertilized eggs, being in property of the father and mother, are either frozen for later use or are donated to scientists for experiment. These scientists, then, let the zygote develop into a blastocyst. At the blasotcyst stage, they strip the stem cells from the human, leaving the blastocyst dead.

2)Cloning (aka Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer SCNT): In cloning, an ovum or egg is taken from the ovary of a women. The nucleus (DNA) of the egg is removed leaving a denucleated ovum. Then, the nucleus of a normal cell (a cell with the full DNA code of46 chromosomes, such as a ski cell) is removed and inserted into the denucleated egg. This leaves an egg with 46 chromosomes. This egg with a full DNA is shocked and the 46 chromosomes begin to divide, exactly as a egg in a mothers fallopian tube would upon fertilization by the sperm.

This newly created zygotes cells divide and develops on the same path as the egg fertilized by the sperm, meaning in 7-14 days it is called a blastocyst. At this point, this cloned embryo can either be implanted in a surrogate mothers womb and carried to term, or it can be stripped of its embryonic stem cells and left to die. (mcc video- 5:49-7:31) Read about the problems with cloning by clicking here.

All this put together results in a rejection of embryonic stem cell research.

Does Louisiana Law Ban Embryonic Stem Cell Research?

Through Adult Stem Cell Research, an ethical and successful method exists that simply replaces the need for hESCR. In our discussion of Adult Stem Cell Research, let us show you why we believe all people can be united towards cures through ethical means.

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Embryonic Stem Cell Research | Louisiana Right to Life

The wheres, whats and hows When you are having a baby, there are dozens of decisions to make. One of the most important things you will have to decide is whether to bank your babys cord blood. In order to make the decision, which is best for you and your family, it is essential to Continue Reading

The research If you are expecting a baby then no doubt youve heard the phrase cord blood banking quite often. Parents today are bombarded with choices practically from the moment of conception, most of which pertain to the babys birth and immediate care following. Cord blood banking is no exception and you may have several Continue Reading

Typical costs associated with cord blood banking and storage Most expectant couples want to do everything possible to protect the health of their newborn child. New developments in medicine have made it possible to use the stem cells found in a babys umbilical cord to develop new treatments to fight diseases like leukemia. The babys Continue Reading

Your babys own stem cells from the normally discarded umbilical cord Most pregnant women and expectant parents have heard about cord blood banking and its ability to store cord blood stem cells for later use. For those of you who havent, cord blood banking uses the latest in technology to extract and preserve all the Continue Reading

The options for cord blood banking in Louisiana are as good if not better than many states

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Helping You Decide | Louisiana Cord Blood Banking

Stem cell treatment has become a popular dispute in the international medical scene. This highly controversial treatment has actually gotten combined opinions from various stakeholders in the health care industry and has actually also drawn in the interest of political leaders, spiritual leaders and the general population at large. Stem cell therapy is considered a revolutionary treatment for individuals experiencing a wide variety of degenerative conditions. Some typical questions regarding this treatment are addressed below.

Are you a stem cell therapy provider in Lafayette LA 70503? Contact us for more information about joining our website.

Stem cells can be described as blank state or non-specialized cells that have the capability to become customized cells in the body such as bone, muscle, nerve or organ cells. This implies that these special cells can be used to regenerate or establish a wide variety of broken cells and tissues in the body. Stem cell therapy is for that reason a treatment that focuses on achieving tissue regrowth and can be used to treat health conditions and diseases such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc illness, spinal cord injury, muscular degeneration, motor neuron disease, ALS, Parkinsons, heart disease and a lot more.

Being a treatment that is still under studio, stem cell therapy has actually not been completely accepted as a viable treatment alternative for the above discussed health conditions and health problems. A lot of research is currently being carried out by scientists and medical specialists in various parts of the world to make this treatment sensible and efficient. There are however numerous limitations imposed by governments on research involving embryonic stem cells.

Presently, there havent been numerous case studies performed for this kind of treatment. However, with the few case studies that have been carried out, among the significant issues that has actually been raised is the increase in a clients threat of establishing cancer. Cancer is brought on by the rapid multiplication of cells that tend not to die so easily. Stem cells have actually been connected with similar development factors that may lead to development of growths and other cancerous cells in patients.

Contact us for more information about stem cell doctor in Lafayette LA 70503

Stem cells can be extracted from a young embryo after conception. These stem cells are frequently described as embryonic stem cells. After the stem cells are drawn out from the embryo, the embryo is terminated. This is basically one of the significant causes of debate in the field of stem cell research. Many individuals argue that termination of an embryo is unethical and unacceptable.

Stem cells can still be gotten through other means as they can be discovered in the blood, bone marrow and umbilical cables of adult humans. Regular body cells can also be reverse-engineered to become stem cells that have limited capabilities.

New research has nevertheless revealed pledge as scientists target at developing stem cells that do not form into growths in later treatment stages. These stem cells can therefore efficiently change into other types of specialized cells. This therapy is for that reason worth investigating into as many patients can gain from this advanced treatment.

Find a stem cell provider close to Lafayette LA 70503

4.96

Main address:Lafayette, Louisiana, 70503

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Stem Cell Lafayette Louisiana 70503

Stem cell therapy has ended up being a popular debate in the worldwide medical scene. This extremely questionable treatment has actually gotten blended opinions from numerous stakeholders in the healthcare industry and has also brought in the interest of political leaders, religious leaders and the basic population at large. Stem cell treatment is thought about an innovative treatment for people dealing with a wide variety of degenerative conditions. Some typical concerns concerning this treatment are responded to below.

Are you a stem cell therapy doctor near Houma LA 70363? Contact us for more information about joining our website.

Stem cells can be described as blank state or non-specialized cells that have the ability to become customized cells in the body such as bone, muscle, nerve or organ cells. This indicates that these special cells can be used to regrow or develop a wide range of damaged cells and tissues in the body. Stem cell therapy is therefore a treatment that aims at accomplishing tissue regeneration and can be used to cure health conditions and illnesses such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc illness, spine injury, muscular degeneration, motor neuron disease, ALS, Parkinsons, heart disease and a lot more.

Being a treatment that is still under studio, stem cell therapy has not been fully accepted as a feasible treatment alternative for the above discussed health conditions and diseases. A great deal of studio is presently being performed by scientists and medical professionals in different parts of the world to make this treatment feasible and effective. There are nevertheless different restrictions imposed by governments on research involving embryonic stem cells.

Presently, there have not been numerous case studies carried out for this form of treatment. However, with the few case studies that have actually been performed, among the significant concerns that has actually been raised is the increase in a clients threat of establishing cancer. Cancer is caused by the quick reproduction of cells that have a tendency not to pass away so easily. Stem cells have actually been associated with comparable growth elements that may result in formation of tumors and other cancerous cells in patients.

Contact us for more information about stem cell doctor in Houma LA 70363

Stem cells can be extracted from a young embryo after conception. These stem cells are commonly described as embryonic stem cells. After the stem cells are extracted from the embryo, the embryo is ended. This is essentially among the major reasons for debate in the field of stem cell research. Many individuals argue that termination of an embryo is unethical and undesirable.

Stem cells can still be obtained through other ways as they can be discovered in the blood, bone marrow and umbilical cables of adult human beings. Normal body cells can likewise be reverse-engineered to become stem cells that have limited capabilities.

New studio has nevertheless shown pledge as researchers focus on developing stem cells that do not form into tumors in later treatment phases. These stem cells can for that reason effectively transform into other kinds of specialized cells. This therapy is for that reason worth investigating into as lots of clients can take advantage of this innovative treatment.

Need a stem cell doctor in Houma LA 70363

4.96

Main address:Houma, Louisiana, 70363

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Stem Cell Houma Louisiana 70363

Stem cell therapy has become a popular debate in the global medical scene. This extremely controversial therapy has actually received combined opinions from different stakeholders in the healthcare market and has actually likewise brought in the interest of politicians, religious leaders and the basic population at large. Stem cell treatment is considered an innovative treatment for people experiencing a wide variety of degenerative conditions. Some common questions concerning this treatment are addressed below.

Are you a stem cell therapy provider near Lafayette LA 70508? Contact us for more information about joining our website.

Stem cells can be described as blank state or non-specialized cells that have the capability to become specialized cells in the body such as bone, muscle, nerve or organ cells. This indicates that these unique cells can be utilized to regrow or establish a vast array of damaged cells and tissues in the body. Stem cell therapy is for that reason a treatment that focuses on achieving tissue regrowth and can be utilized to cure health conditions and health problems such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injury, muscular degeneration, motor neuron illness, ALS, Parkinsons, cardiovascular disease and much more.

Being a treatment that is still under studio, stem cell therapy has actually not been completely accepted as a feasible treatment alternative for the above pointed out health conditions and health problems. A lot of studio is currently being carried out by researchers and medical experts in numerous parts of the world to make this treatment viable and effective. There are however numerous restrictions imposed by federal governments on research study including embryonic stem cells.

Presently, there havent been many case studies performed for this kind of treatment. However, with the few case studies that have actually been conducted, one of the major concerns that has actually been raised is the boost in a clients risk of developing cancer. Cancer is brought on by the quick multiplication of cells that tend not to die so easily. Stem cells have been connected with comparable growth elements that might lead to development of tumors and other cancerous cells in patients.

Contact us for more information about stem cell doctor near Lafayette LA 70508

Stem cells can be extracted from a young embryo after conception. These stem cells are commonly referred to as embryonic stem cells. After the stem cells are drawn out from the embryo, the embryo is ended. This is generally one of the major causes of controversy in the field of stem cell research study. Many people suggest that termination of an embryo is unethical and inappropriate.

Stem cells can still be gotten through other means as they can be found in the blood, bone marrow and umbilical cables of adult human beings. Typical body cells can also be reverse-engineered to become stem cells that have actually limited capabilities.

New research study has however revealed pledge as researchers aim at establishing stem cells that do not form into growths in later treatment stages. These stem cells can for that reason successfully change into other types of specialized cells. This therapy is therefore worth investigating into as numerous patients can benefit from this innovative treatment.

stem cell doctor close to Lafayette LA 70508

4.96

Main address:Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508

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Stem Cell Lafayette Louisiana 70508

Elbow and Hand ArthritisElbow and Hand problems from arthritis of joints of the upper extremity is a form of degenerative joint disease that disables millions of Americans. Certain types of elbow and wrist joint problems including certain tendon problems and ligamentous injuries may not be amenable to cell therapy. It is important to evaluate each individual case to assess the likelihood of success with regenerative therapy.

Elbow and Hand Problems LRMC utilizes a degenerative joint disease SVF deployment protocol that attempts to exploit the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of SVF (rich in mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors). SVF is injected using local anesthesia into the affected joint. This is all done as an outpatient at the time of SVF harvesting and procurement. The entire cellular surgical procedure takes approximately 3 hours.

We care about our Elbow and Hand patients at LRMC and take pride in the time we provide to our patients to deploy the best protocols to help our patients achieve their goals. By filling out our Confidential Candidate Application, we will answer the questions and concerns you may have about LRMC protocols for Elbow and Hand Problems.

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Treating | Louisiana RMC

Above, Mr. Xi and the president of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, who was in Beijing for official meetings ahead of the BRICS summit meeting that begins Sunday in the coastal city of Xiaomen.

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New dangers are emerging as floodwaters recede in Texas and the dwindling Harvey storm system moves through Louisiana and into Mississippi.

Explosions were reported overnight at a damaged chemical plant near Houston, a hub for chemical and petrochemical plants. More blasts are feared. And much of the city is still covered in a toxic stew of chemicals, sewage, debris and waste.

Heres a quick guide to our full coverage access is free. Check here for the latest.

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Pakistans most controversial murder trial ended in a verdict that stunned many.

A terrorism court acquitted five suspected Taliban and Al Qaeda militants in the 2007 assassination of the former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and declared the former ruler Pervez Musharraf, who is living in exile, a fugitive in the case.

He rejects any involvement in her death, and her party intends to appeal. The long-running case has been dogged by intimidation and threats to the judiciary from militants.

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Youve heard of Brexit. What about WAxit?

Thats what some are calling a proposal for the state of Western Australia to secede over a long-running grievance about tax revenues.

Its not the first time politicians in Perth, above, have considered such a move. Our team in Sydney takes a look at the reasons behind the campaign, and what comes next.

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The 20th anniversary of Princess Dianas death on Thursday stirred emotions and memories around the world.

Our correspondent in London at the time examines how, two decades on, her influence is still felt in unexpected ways. We also looked at Dianas life in photographs and headlines from The Times.

And a journalist who was at the Paris hospital when Prince Charles arrived to take Dianas body home answered readers questions in a Facebook Live segment.

Toshiba missed a second self-imposed deadline to choose an investor for its $18 billion microchip business. It continues to veer among offers from Bain Capital, Western Digital and Foxconn.

Qantas rerouted its Kangaroo Route from Sydney to London through Singapore, handing it a victory over its aviation-hub rival Dubai.

Emerging camera technologies like facial scanning, augmented reality and 3-D scanning are reshaping the future of the smartphone.

U.S. stocks were up. Heres a snapshot of global markets.

A building collapsed in rain-ravaged Mumbai, killing at least 14 people, according to a local official. Rescuers scrabbled through the rubble hunting for survivors. [The New York Times]

Nearly two million Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the hajj, including Iranian Shiites, who did not participate last year. [Reuters]

The Trump administration ordered Russia to close several diplomatic sites, in San Francisco, New York and Washington, in retaliation for Moscows limits on U.S. embassy staffing in Russia. [The New York Times]

Iraqs prime minister claimed victory in Tal Afar, one of the last Iraqi cities held by the Islamic State, after an 11-day battle. [The New York Times]

Casualties from cluster bombs more than doubled in 2016. The vast majority of victims were in Syria. Other countries reporting casualties were Laos, Yemen, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Serbia, South Sudan and Vietnam. [The New York Times]

A man in Melbourne was charged with destroying wildlife after a video taken by a laughing friend showed him brutally killing an injured kangaroo that he addressed in Chinese. The video caught Australian authorities attention after it went viral on Chinese social media. [Shanghaiist]

Japanese scientists believe they are on the verge of a breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Their tests on monkeys show that transplanting dopamine-producing nerve cells created from human stem cells can reduce symptoms. [The Asahi Shimbun]

Tips, both new and old, for a more fulfilling life.

Recipe of the day: Some days, you just want to relax on the couch with a cheese-steak sub.

Exercise can have contradictory effects on appetite.

Theres a simple method to expedite creativity: Gather tools, remove distractions.

Theres been royalty, tennis and otherwise, at the U.S. Open: Nick Kyrgios, a 22-year-old Australian known for his talent and temper, is always accompanied by his mother, Norlaila, a Malaysian princess.

How to get rich in Trumps Washington. The Times Magazine examines how the rules of influence have changed in the U.S. capital and spawned a new breed of lobbyist.

In Myanmar, river dolphins help fishermen herd fish into nets on the Irrawaddy River, but overfishing, pollution and a lack of interest among the young threaten that relationship.

On Sunday, Princess Mako, the eldest grandchild of Emperor Akihito of Japan, and Kei Komuro, her college boyfriend, are set to officially announce their engagement.

Law and tradition dictate that the princess, by marrying a commoner, will become a commoner herself. (Above, the princess with her father.)

Although this has happened before, the engagement has fanned a debate about whether the Imperial Household Law, which regulates Japans first family, needs changing.

To the Japanese public, the tradition appears increasingly anachronistic. Opinion polls find large majorities favor allowing women to remain in the imperial family after marriage, and allowing them to become sovereign.

After all, the wife of Akihito was a commoner before their marriage. Akihitos successor, Crown Prince Naruhito, also married a commoner.

Even conservatives who oppose such changes see the threat of a potential succession crisis. The family now has only five men, including Akihito.

Japan has the oldest continuous monarchy in the world, but only eight women have ruled in the nearly 2,700-year history of the Chrysanthemum Throne.

People close to the emperor say that he agrees women should be allowed to succeed him.

I dont think he sticks to the narrow idea that only a male on the throne is acceptable, a friend of the emperor recently told our correspondent.

Patrick Boehler contributed reporting.

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North Korea, Mumbai, Texas: Your Friday Briefing - New York Times

Sofa Vergaras embryos are citizens of California.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TNT

After years of battling ex-fiance Sofa Vergara in court for custody of a pair of frozen embryos they once made together, condiment entrepreneur Nick Loeb might finally be out of luck. Last week, a federal judge in Louisiana dismissed Loebs suit, saying that the embryos are citizens of California, where Vergara and Loeb conceived and froze them. Thus, the judge ruled, embryos have no legal standing to sue in Louisiana, the only state that gives embryos the right to sue and be sued.

Christina Cauterucci is a Slate staff writer.

Embryos are frozen when they are just clumps of a few dozen cells, equivalent to a vaginally inseminated egg that would still take another week to become embedded in the uterine wall. Louisiana law deems these cells juridical personsnot quite human beings, but deserving of legal rights. In Louisiana, embryos are not merely property of the two people who made them, so any legal disputes must meet the best interest of the in vitro fertilized ovum.

Thats the most likely reason why Loeb sued Vergara in Louisiana, despite the fact that neither party maintains a residence there.* (Loeb says he chose the state because the couple broke up there; he dropped an earlier California suit because he didnt want to name his previous girlfriends whod had abortions.) Actually, Loeb didnt exactly sue Vergarathe embryos, Emma and Isabella, did. Plaintiff EMMA is a female human being at the embryonic stage of life, five days old developmentally, the right to live suit read, claiming that Vergara had effectively abandoned and chronically neglected her children by keeping them frozen in a medical tank since 2013. Though Vergara and Loeb had signed a contract when they were together agreeing that the embryos would never be implanted anywhere without both parties consent, Loeb wanted to nullify the agreement and implant them in a surrogate.

Over the past couple of years, the Vergara-Loeb embryo battle has become a proxy fight for anti-abortion advocates who think frozen embryos should be treated like people. Anti-abortion groups have funded or filed amicus briefs in the embryo disputes of split-up couples, including the case of a Missouri woman named Jalesia McQueen. In the middle of her own court battle over two frozen embryos (Noah and Genesis) with an ex-husband who wanted to dispose of them, McQueen founded an organization called Embryo Defense to advocate for all excess embryos in legal limbo. She aggregates news on the Vergara-Loeb case and uses their photos in images made for sharing on social media. The graphics say things like Sofia says its selfish to let the embryos be born without both parents being in a loving relationship. Shouldnt both parents just love the child? and Please pray for Sofia Vergara and those she called her frozen babies, that shed open her heart so they could be a blessing in her life. One pairs a picture of Loebs face with the question what about a fathers right to choose?

The concept of a fathers right to procreate without input from the woman whose egg created the embryo is a favorite rallying cry of the embryo-protector set. Loeb himself made this argument in a 2015 New York Times op-ed with the magnificent headline Sofa Vergaras Ex-Fianc: Our Frozen Embryos Have a Right to Live. A woman is entitled to bring a pregnancy to term even if the man objects, Loeb wrote. Shouldnt a man who is willing to take on all parental responsibilities be similarly entitled to bring his embryos to term even if the woman objects?

The federal judges decision against Loeb is only the latest in a string of disappointing court losses for those who believe embryos should be treated like people. When Barack Obama lifted a ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research in 2009, he was hit with a lawsuit from one Mary Scott Doe, a frozen embryo symbolizing all existing frozen embryos. A federal appeals court ruled that Doe had no standing as an amorphous class that could not prove any actual harm. In 2015, a California Superior Court judge ruled that a contract a divorced couple signed at the medical center where they created the embryo prevented either party from taking unilateral custody of the embryos unless one of the parties died. Even McQueen, the founder of Embryo Defense, lost her suit late last year when a St. Louis court ruled that embryos are marital property of a special character, not human beings with unalienable rights.

That St. Louis case might be the most promising decision yet for those who believe that no person should be able to incubate an embryo without the consent of the other person whose genetic material it carries. The others, which rest on the tenets of contract law, legal standing, and jurisdiction, say more about how the suits were filed than what rights adults have to the embryos they create. Still, Loebs loss could set a welcome precedent in these kinds of cases: Jurisdiction-shopping embryo protectors might find Louisiana to be a less hospitable home for a lawsuit than theyd imagined.

*Correction, August 31, 2017: This piece originally referred to "the most likely reason why Loeb sued Vergara in California, despite the fact that neither party maintains a residence there." It should have said Louisiana.

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Sofa Vergara's Ex Might Finally Be Out of Luck In His Battle for Custody of Their Frozen Embyros - Slate Magazine (blog)

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Kasich and Hickenlooper unveil Obamacare rescue plan: Republican Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and Democrat Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado on Thursday unveiled a plan to fix Obamacare's exchanges that includes injecting new funds into the controversial law. The plan calls for Congress to create a temporary stability fund that states can use for a reinsurance program, which reimburses insurers for major losses. The governors don't give an exact figure for the stability fund. But they pointed to a recent failed Obamacare repeal bill that would have given states $15 billion a year to address issues in Obamacare's individual marketplaces. "We recommend funding the program for at least two years and fully offsetting the cost so it does not add to the deficit," according to the letter outlining the plan. The letter was sent a week before Congress returns and starts work on a bipartisan stabilization plan. The Kasich-Hickenlooper plan also aims to boost rural insurer competition by exempting the health insurance tax for any insurer that offers plans in counties that have only one carrier. It would allow residents to buy into the Federal Employee Benefit Program, which gives rural residents the same healthcare access that federal workers get.

For Kasich, its the next phase in a long progression toward embracing Obamacare. In 2010, Kasich ran as a Tea Party candidate vowing to fight Obamacare. Even after bypassing his state legislature to impose Obamacares Medicaid expansion, he insisted he was still in favor of repealing Obamacare, a stance he took during his presidential run. This year, however, as Republicans in Congress worked on a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare that would have phased out the Medicaid expansion, Kasich became increasingly defensive of the law, culminating with his latest plan aimed at rescuing Obamacare. Additional signatories on the plan are Govs. Brian Sandoval of Nevada, Bill Walker of Alaska, Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, Jon Bel Edwards of Louisiana, Steve Bullock of Montana.

Conservatives wont support Obamacare rescue detached from broader changes: Though the Kasich-Hickenlooper plan notes that the U.S. House and Senate proposed $15 billion a year in aid to states to stabilize markets, its important to remember that this plan was only supported by conservatives as a compromise with moderates as part of a broader plan that would have repealed a lot of Obamacares taxes and spending. Absent those changes, it doesnt stand a chance with conservatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., himself noted that it was controversial to offer bailout money without greater reforms. So any plan would likely have to pass, as many budget agreements have in recent years, with Democratic support and amid massive defections from Republicans. Even if such a coalition were theoretically plausible, would McConnell, already embarrassed by the failure to deliver on the seven-year promise to repeal and replace Obamacare, really want the only thing he does on healthcare be a major rescue package for the law he vowed to undo root and branch?

Welcome to Philip Kleins Daily on Healthcare, compiled by Washington Examiner Managing Editor Philip Klein (@philipaklein), Senior Healthcare Writer Kimberly Leonard (@LeonardKL) and Healthcare Reporter Robert King (@rking_19). Email dailyonhealthcare@washingtonexaminer.com for tips, suggestions, calendar items and anything else. If a friend sent this to you and youd like to sign up, click here. If signing up doesnt work, shoot us an email and well add you to our list.

Sen. Kamala Harris endorses Bernie Sanders single payer bill Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said during a town hall Wednesday that she will endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., bill to extend Medicare to all Americans. The move comes as Harris has taken heat from Sanders supporters over her progressive bonafides. Harris, said to be a top Democratic prospect for the 2020 presidential election, had previously announced she supports the idea of a single-payer system because it makes sense from a fiscal perspective. "Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege," Harris said. "This should not be a partisan issue. It shouldn't even be a bipartisan issue. It should be a nonpartisan issue."

Trump administration may not have an Obamacare signup target The Trump administration may break with former President Barack Obama and not establish an enrollment target for Obamacare for next year. An administration official refused to offer a target for 2018 signups Wednesday, saying too many factors could affect how to set that target, chief among them high prices for Obamacare next year. "It is hard to say that we can get to this target or that target because there are so many things going on in the market," said the official, speaking on background. "The bottom line is the prices continue to go up." Last year, the Obama administration set an ambitious goal of signing up 13.8 million people by the end of open enrollment in January. About 12.2 million people signed up, and about 10 million paid their premiums as of June. Open enrollment for 2018 is scheduled to start on Nov. 1 and run until Dec. 15, which is about six weeks shorter than 2017's open enrollment.

Investigation into Zinke health threats ends An investigation into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's alleged healthcare threats against Alaska's senators has ended. The Interior Department inspector general concluded "further investigation would be unproductive." In July, two top House Democrats wrote a letter asking for an investigation into a phone call Zinke had with Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, reportedly saying Murkowski's vote against the legislation had put Alaska in jeopardy with the administration. Murkowski later voted against Obamacare repeal. She also put a temporary hold on some nominees that Zinke had been requesting the Senate to confirm. Murkowski is the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The letter also asked investigators to look into whether Zinke violated federal anti-lobbying laws as well as the Hobbs Act, which "prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce."

Revolutionary cancer treatment comes with hefty price tag A new cancer treatment will be sold for nearly half a million dollars, sparking criticism from some patient advocates.

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapy in the U.S. called Kymriah, which customize a patient's own immune cells to fight a type of leukemia through a therapy called CAR-T. The drug's maker, Novartis, plans to sell the treatment for $475,000 for the one-time dose. The company said the price is actually below some independent estimates, including an appraisal from the United Kingdom's National Institute for Cost Effectiveness that pegged a cost-effective price between $600,000 and $750,000.

"We looked at the current standards of care, such as the cost of allogenic stem cell transplants, which is between $540,000-$800,000 for the first year in the U.S.," Novartis said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. "These external assessments as well as our own health economic analysis of the value of Kymriah, all indicated that a cost effective price would be $600,000 to $750,000." But some advocates are upset at the high price tag. "Kymriah's price tag is simply a continuation of the pattern of sky-high launch prices that spins further out of control each year," according to the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, an advocacy group that includes insurers, nurses, hospitals and doctors.

Groups to petition FDA to remove some opioids A coalition of doctor and related advocacy groups plan to petition the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, which is International Opioid Awareness Day, to remove specific opioid products. The groups plan to hold a candlelight vigil Thursday night and then march to the White House. The groups participating are the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Safety Council and Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing. It remains unclear what opioid products the groups want to remove. The FDA has faced criticism from advocates for approving too many opioids as the opioid epidemic has raged across America. Federal data shows that opioid overdoses kill about 77 Americans a day.

Senate Finance to hold CHIP hearing The Senate Finance Committee plans to hold a hearing to kickstart moves to reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which needs to be reauthorized by the end of September. The committee will hold a hearing on Sept. 7 on the program. By bringing together those most familiar with CHIP, this hearing will allow members to learn about the current state of the program, which has long enjoyed strong bipartisan support. I look forward to continuing to work with members on the Committee and the administration to ensure continued funding and uninterrupted services for CHIP. The hearing will feature the mother of a CHIP recipient, an administration official in charge of the program and a state director of medical assistance services from Virginia.

RUNDOWN

Axios How to keep Obamacare stabilization narrowThe Hill Five public health crises facing Houston after HarveyAssociated Press Medicare to foot the bill for treadmill therapy for leg painWashington Post Some hospitals evacuated, but Houstons medical world mostly withstands HarveyWall Street Journal Voters urge bipartisanship as Congress returns to WashingtonNPR Why the toxin trouble with tiny turtles continues

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

7 p.m., Rockville, Md. Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin holds a town hall to discuss healthcare at Johns Hopkins Universitys Rockville, Md., campus. 9601 Medical Drive. events2@cardin.senate.gov

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

8:15 a.m. Bethesda, Md., National Institutes of Health holds a meeting of the Council of Councils. Details.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

10 a.m. 430 Dirksen. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on stabilizing the Obamacare exchanges. State insurance commissioners will testify. help.senate.gov/hearings/stabilizing-premiums-and-helping-individuals-in-the-individual-insurance-market-for-2018-state-insurance-commissioners

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

9 a.m. 430 Dirksen. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a second hearing on stabilizing the Obamacare exchanges, with several governors testifying. help.senate.gov/hearings/stabilizing-premiums-and-helping-individuals-in-the-individual-insurance-market-for-2018-governors

10 a.m., 215 Dirksen. The Senate Finance Committee holds a hearing on reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program. https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/the-childrens-health-insurance-program-the-path-forward

The rest is here:
Daily on Healthcare: Kasich and Hickenlooper unveil Obamacare rescue plan...don't count on conservative support - Washington Examiner