Oprah’s website buries Dr. Oz's ‘stem cell debate is dead’ statement

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Dr. Mehment Oz / Oprah Winfrey

Chicago, Ill., Apr 8, 2009 / 01:08 pm (CNA).- Yesterday, Dr. Mehment Oz appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to voice his support for adult stem cell research and to argue that “the stem cell debate is dead,” but instead of giving his statement a fair hearing, Oprah’s website buried and edited Oz’s comments.

Actor Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, was invited on the show to talk about his struggle with Parkinson’s and his foundation’s endorsement of embryonic stem cell research (ESCR).

Fox told Oprah that he believes President Obama’s decision lifting President Bush's restrictions on ESCR was a “step in the right direction” and that “we had eight years where there was no forward progress.” The United States has to make up for a lot of lost time, Fox added.

He also empathized with ethical concerns over ESCR, but said, “I just have faith in our scientists and the research community that they’ll do this ethically and to good purpose.”

After a commercial break, Oprah introduced Dr. Oz, who is the vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University, to explain how stem cells could be used to treat or cure the effects of many diseases.

To demonstrate how stem cells could be used, Oz brought out a human brain. Both Oprah and Fox laughed and joked with Oz as he discussed how stem cells would work in the brain. But Dr. Oz became more serious as he spoke about the future of embryonic stem cell research.

“Now, I’m going to say something that’s going to be a bit provocative. I think, Oprah, the stem cell debate is dead, and I’ll tell you why,” said Oz.

“The problem with embryonic stem cells is that embryonic stem cells come from embryos, like all of us were made from embryos. And those cells can become any cell in the body. But it’s very hard to control them, and so they can become cancer.”

Oprah and Fox then became visibly uncomfortable, shifting around in their chairs, as Oz explained that, contrary to Fox’s earlier testimony, incredible medical advances are being made using adult stem cells and not embryonic stem cells. He claimed that, “in the last year, we’ve made a 10 year advancement.”

Oprah responded in disbelief by saying, “In the last year we’ve advanced 10 years?” Oz explained, “we went places we never thought we would go.”

He then boldly stated that within “single digit years” the medical community could find cures for people with “Parkinson’s disease, but also diabetics and heart attack victims” by using adult stem cells.

Oprah’s website summarized Oz’s argument for adult stem cells with two short paragraphs, hidden 11 pages deep in a 13 page summary of the show:

“Thanks to recent scientific discoveries, Dr. Oz says stem cells aren’t the only solution. ‘We went to a place we never thought we would go. I can take a little bit of your skin, take those cells and get them to go back in time so they’re like they were when you were first made.’”

“Dr. Oz says these skin cells, which contain your genes and are less prone to cancer, will be the ones that are ultimately used to cure Parkinson’s. ‘I think we’re single digit years away from making a big impact in the lives of [people with] Parkinson’s disease, but also diabetics and heart attack victims,’” the website summarized.

Oprah.com not only avoided quoting Oz as saying “the stem cell debate is dead,” but carefully avoided the words “stem cell” and “embryonic’ when quoting or summarizing his remarks.

Oz did in fact say stem cells were the solution, but instead of backing ESCR, he advocated adult stem cells as the future of medical breakthroughs.

Comments: 33

Subscriber comments:

Published by: lois
naples fl.us 07/20/2009 08:19 AM EST

Dr. Oz is 100%. Stem cell is iur future and its here now. America has been so money hungry in the medical field. Thats why our health insurance is so high. I know someone who did stem cell using his own stem cell for his heart. He is alive today because of it. Use your own stem cell to save your life too. It is here and now. Support stem cell research. Embyro's don't need to be used and people talking about killing embryo's. Fact is use your own stem cells, easy. I praise Dr. Oz. and President Obahma stem cell is here and now

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 05/25/2009 09:07 PM EST

Thsi should be no surprise!Oprah Winfrey has always been a supporter and advocate of Michaels Fox's views and position on any kind of stem cell research! And as a long time supporter of President Obama's policies of federally funding any kind of stem cell research, she does not have any real interest in the "facts" that do not support both Foxs and Obamnas opinions.

Published by: Robertz
USA 04/14/2009 02:08 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

To Guy: I live with Multiple Sclerosis. I "WILL NOT" support unethical research where another human being is murdered. Do you agree with the murderous medical experiments the Nazi's did for the "benefit" of others? Even if I might come to be permanently bedridden, I will not support any of this. Non-embryonic stem cell research is not only ethical, it is also more promising than embryonic.

Published by: JOHN P. MC NAMARA
AMSTERDAM N.Y.USA 04/11/2009 11:15 AM EST

IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT A PARROT WOULD GET ON HER SHOW AND TELL THE TRUTH I AM SURE THEY WILL COACH FUTURE GUESTS ON WHAT THE "CORRECT" ANSWER SHOULD BE.AMEN

Published by: Judy
Yonkers, NY 04/10/2009 09:50 PM EST

Thank you Dr.Oz! Finally, one medical professional who is telling it like it is.
In the name of God, everyone else, please listen to him.

Published by: Janice Brown
Palm Desert, CA, USA 04/10/2009 06:03 PM EST

I didn't watch as I KNEW it would just be propaganda. I was diagnoised with Essential Tremor and finally it was Cervical Dystonia and Dystonia on my right side. (essentially tremor) It looks like Parkinsons and you are treated with some P.meds. I would not take meds or treatments that used our 'babies.' Thank God the good doctor told the truth. Just found online a center in Germany where they are using your own T Cells from your hip for many cures. Why can't we get this treatment in our Country?? Janice

Published by: Andrea
Stanhope, NJ USA 04/10/2009 10:00 AM EST

While I did not see the show, I applaud Dr. Oz for saying it like it is!!!

Even if it wasn't for ethical reasons, he was clarifying the debate as a knowledgeable doctor who's not afraid of the truth.

Kudos!!!

Published by: patty
Isanti 04/09/2009 05:26 PM EST

Its all about the DOUGH! embryonic stem cells can be patented where as adult stem cells can't be because they are your own. It is all about the money factor.

Published by: Carol
North Carolina 04/09/2009 02:28 PM EST

Why would Oprah and Michael J Fox be upset with the facts Dr. Oz Presented especially since it can lead to a cure, possibly in the near future.

Thank you Dr. Oz for informing us.

And shame on Oprah and the media for trying to hide the TRUTH. They forget the truth will set you free.

Published by: hank
USA 04/09/2009 01:46 PM EST

I think Dr Oz forgot to mention that IPS stem cells ALSO cause cancer.

Published by: angela
columbus, Ohio, usa 04/09/2009 01:15 PM EST

follow the money. look at who gets rich grants and money for embryonic sc research. Look at who those companies support politically.

Published by: Romeo
N.B. Canada 04/09/2009 11:35 AM EST

It not suprising that B. OBAMA was so strongly supported by Oprah since the President publically stated that the USA was NOT a christian country, so the Devil is firmly in control. If you play God, you will ultimatatelly pay dearly>

Published by: dina little
massapequa, ny, usa 04/09/2009 11:02 AM EST

I personally know of people who have been forced to go out of the country(International BioCare Hospital in Tijuana) to get adult stem cell therapy for severe head injuries that had the patient in a twilight sleep for over a year. (think Terri Schiavo)
End of story is a miracle, the patient is waking up! And this is the story time and again.

it's a crime that this therapy is being held up, while embryonic stem cells which cause cancer are being forced on people.

Sometimes I wonder if our country really is still the land of the free.
dina

Published by: Guy
New York/NY/USA 04/09/2009 10:54 AM EST

TO ALL OF YOU ESCR HATERS; TRY LIVING A DAY WITH A CONDITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO MOVE OR THAT CAUSES PAIN ALL THE TIME OR A CONDITION THAT IMPAIRS YOU FROM LIVING A FULL LIFE AND THEN TELL ME WHAT YOU WILL OR WILL NOT SUPPORT AS FAR AS POTENTIAL TREATMENTS TO END VARIOUS TYPES OF SUFFERING...

Published by: nina
Houston, TX USA 04/09/2009 08:41 AM EST

If you take the opinion of a "distinguished medical doctor over an entertainment personality" then perhaps this quote will be valued from the American scientist that isolated the first embryonic stem cell and then also discovered the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell:
Dr. James Thompson said in the Washington Post: “A new way to trick skin cells into acting like embryos changes both everything and nothing at all. Being able to reprogram skin cells into multipurpose stem cells without harming embryos launches an exciting new line of research. It's important to remember, though, that we're at square one, uncertain at this early stage whether souped-up skin cells hold the same promise as their embryonic cousins do.”
Other iPS cell researchers have also said that it would be premature to abandon embryonic stem cell research, which remains the gold standard for measuring how valuable the new cells will be.

Published by: Margaret L
Canada 04/09/2009 08:11 AM EST

Oprah is a perfect example of someone who has let her success go to her head. I think she is also leaning toward becoming her own god-head. She has power to give away many gifts to those who seem so greedy on the show and go overboard by becoming crazed and wack-0. She buys her followers and they fall for it. She is leading many good people to their ruin as they give up what is true for what is false and perverted. I feel sorry for her and them, and pray that they have a change of heart. One day all she has will be like so much grass, here today but gone tomorrow. What will she do then?
Any good she does is spoiled by the fact that she does it for personal gain not from her heart. I could go on and on. I pray one day she finds the true God who died for her and the rest of us not for His personal glory but for LOVE.
ML.

Published by: Rayilyn Brown
Surprise Arizona 04/09/2009 02:03 AM EST

We in the Parkinson's community would be thrilled with Dr. Oz if what he said about adult stem cell successes was true. The 3 claims for Parkinson's are false: Dennis Turner's PD returned 5 years ago; Patricia Payne was never in Dr. Levesque's phase II because it never took place; Amgen's abortive GDNF infusion therapy trial didn't involve stem cells of any kind. Finally, how many "cured" people do you know?

Published by: Bird5
US 04/08/2009 09:27 PM EST

The American Stem Cell Therapy Association site can be found at

stemcelldocs (dot) org

Published by: Abso
USA 04/08/2009 08:57 PM EST

Ya'll are a little bit weird. If the mighty O wanted to keep that comment out of her show, she would have just edited it off. It was not a live show people and you still heard it. Think about it!

Published by: Don
Chicago, IL 04/08/2009 08:16 PM EST

I work in communications at "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and would like to correct several facts here. First of these is that the show in question did not air yesterday; it aired on March 31. Second, all of our online slideshows follow the show chronologically - because the comment was made later in the show, it appears later in the slideshow.

Published by: Jack
Burnaby Canada 04/08/2009 05:07 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

No surprise they squashed the truth. Truth is the enemy to Oprah and all of those like her who dwell in darkness.

John 3:20
Everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed.

Published by: Gabriel Valdez, Jr.
Fort Worth 04/08/2009 04:46 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I am with Dr. Oz on Adult Stem Cell Research. The Culture of Death just wants to make business with embryos.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/08/2009 04:15 PM EST

there is a conspiricy going on but its on a spiritual level. Yeah sounds crazy except if you listened to Sr. Margaret Mary in the 5th grade---then its just old fashioned common sense. There are two masters ultimately, and most unwittingly serve the wrong one.

Published by: Bird5
US 04/08/2009 04:14 PM EST

There is a group of physicians, patients and other interested people working together to get treatment with adult stem cells legalized in the U.S. as it should be. Please ask your family and friends to sign up ("JOIN"), and get as many doctors to sign up as well. Please see The American Stem Cell Therapy Association site

Published by: David Granovsky
Phila, PA, USA 04/08/2009 04:13 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Let's unbury it shall we...

The Wisdom of Oz

Visualize the surreal image of Oprah Winfrey, Michael J Fox and Dr. Mehmet Oz, wearing purple surgical gloves, sitting on stage around a human brain. Dr. Oz explains the absence of Nigro-Striatal Neurons in the brain of Parkinson’s patients while lifting out partially dissected chunks of brain and placing them into Michael’s shaking hand.

The camera zooms in as Dr. Oz steadies Michael’s hand in his. Dr. Oz weaves an intimidating, steel needle between Michael’s gloved and trembling fingers and illustrates the procedure for injecting stem cells into the brain by plunging it both into and through the quivering cerebellum. Michael’s legs spasm and contort and my stomach clenches empathetically with what I sense is Michael’s extreme discomfort, but is really a symptom of his condition.

And yet, NOTHING could have prepared me for what happened next as Dr. Oz, unbelievably and without prelude or warning, makes the stunning statement:
“I think, Oprah, the stem cell debate is dead.”

Published by: Victor m. Fierro
Fresno, Ca. USA 04/08/2009 03:22 PM EST

If the money making is taken out of embryonic stem cell research and we stayed with adult stem cells research mwny cures would come.
Go to Joseph

Published by: Jim
Mission Viejo/CA/USA 04/08/2009 03:21 PM EST

I bet Dr. Oz will NOT be invited on Oprah anymore!! You tell them, Dr. Oz good for you and good for us and our human embryos.

Published by: Larry H Morton
Fort Worth, Texas 04/08/2009 03:13 PM EST

Why don't they get it?

Trust me when I say "they DO get it".

Here's why..just follow the money trail and you will find the answer.

The culture of death (i.e. abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, genetic manipulation, etc.) is a HUGE money making and well supported industry here and abroad.

Doing good doesn't really enter in to the picture...except from those people suffering from horrible diseases who unwittingly place their faith in immoral science rather than trusting God's will.

Larry

Published by: sue
USA 04/08/2009 03:06 PM EST

Oprah is loosing credentials fast. Just imagine all the viewers who heard the show and the truly hopeful words of Dr.OZ I hope many listeners heard the truth and didn't respond as FOx and Oprah did. Go Dr. Oz!

Published by: Kendalf
USA 04/08/2009 02:25 PM EST

Just a point of clarification, the stem cells obtained from reprogramming skin cells that Dr. Oz was describing are known as induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, not adult stem cells. They have all the beneficial properties of embryonic stem cells, which is why they can offer potential cures and treatments and research beyond even what adult stem cells can currently accomplish.

Published by: Kathy
Chicago 04/08/2009 02:24 PM EST

They are not thrilled because this political issue, which is what ESCR has become, is all about protecting the right to abortion. Starting with Obama and all the way down they were determined to overturn Bush's restrictions as, to them, anything to do with restricting the use of human embryos has to do with their losing the right to abortion on demand. Certainly Oprah is not going to criticize her pal. She is the first person that put him in front of the public eye and supporting his presidential aspirations. She would NEVER do or say anything that would make him look like a fool. He can do that all on his own!

Published by: David F.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 04/08/2009 01:51 PM EST

Thank you for publishing the facts. This is just another instance of "political correctness", intellectual dishonesty, and censorship. It amazes me that liberal proponents who claim to be so open minded and cosmopolitan in their thinking, when actually put to the test and faced with evidence and truth that contradicts their own personal beliefs, immediately turn to the un-American technique of censorship in order to continue their campaign of disinformation and dishonesty. If they are trully seekers of truth and "open minded" how come they cannot see the truth when it is plainly put in front of them.

I'll take the words of a distinguished medical doctor over entertainment personalities any day.

Published by: Erika
USA 04/08/2009 01:21 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

You would think that Oprah and Michael J. Fox and everyone else promoting embryonic stem cell research would be thrilled with the information that Dr. Oz presented. It means that their supposed goal can be reached without the moral and ethical concerns that come with using embryonic stem cells. It seems that their "goal" is not actually to cure disease, rather it is to dehumanize embryos in order to promote other immoral things like abortion.

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