Human embryonic stem cell research has been a failure.

The difference between human adult stem cell and human embryonic stem cell treatments could not be any more evident. After years of rigorous studies, researchers report vision restoration to patients’ eyes damaged by chemicals, adult stem cells transplants have become lifesaving measures for people with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases, ease of symptoms in heart failure, and much more.

According to St. Louis Today, a few months ago, Dr. Thomas Einhorn treated a patient with a broken ankle which after several surgeries wouldn’t heal. Einhorn pressed on and drew bone marrow from the patient’s pelvic bone. He condensed the marrow and injected the liquid into the man’s ankle. Miraculously, four months later the ankle healed. Einhorn, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Boston University Medical Center, acknowledges adult stem cells in the marrow injection. A study published in France encouraged Einhorn to try the procedure.

His actions are an example of pioneering therapies doctors are studying with regards to adult stem cells.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) research is moving fast. CLI patients suffer from tissue loss, ischemic neuropathy or interruption of blood supply in the short posterior ciliary arteries, and restricted blood flow to the leg by artery blockage which may require amputation.

According to Dr. Warren Sherman of Columbia University, ischemia research and adult stem cell treatment is showing “very, very encouraging [results].” And Dr. Grabriel Lasala of TCA Cellular Therapy also reported positive results which include Rodney Schoenhardt of Metairie, Louisiana.

Schoenhardt already had surgery on both legs for the disease. His surgeon was talking about left leg-amputation. Due to severe pain, Schoenhardt had to use a wheelchair. Schoenhardt received 40 shots in each leg over a year ago, with adult stem cell going into his left calf and a placebo dose in the other. Shortly thereafter, he said the pain in his left leg was gone. At 58, he now mows his lawn, has remodeled his living room and says, “My wheelchair is in my garage collecting dust.”

It is important to note sacrificing life to improve the life of another won’t yield promising returns. Our own body has healing capabilities and if harnessed properly and within ethical boundaries we could use those capabilities to improve the quality of life. Adult stem cells are the medical answer for several health problems so instead of investing on embryonic stem cell research, which for decades has not yielded positive results, we should continue to invest in adult stem cell research.