Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines Paperback – September 18, 2007
Purchase options and add-ons
Americans have become the victims of misinformation about stem cell research. Over the last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political, religious, and confusing to many people. Now, Eve Herold explains what this science is all about, who is for and against it, and why it must go forward. She pulls together fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted field. She exposes the politics of stem cell research and demonstrates how the outcome of the debate could ultimately affect all of us. Packed with real-life stories of the people caught up in this groundbreaking struggle, Stem Cell Wars cuts through the noise and sets the standard for future debate.
- Print length256 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateSeptember 18, 2007
- Dimensions6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101403984999
- ISBN-13978-1403984999
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An excellent account...the first of its kind...” ―Cure Paralysis Now
“An important new book...” ―Crossleft
“Comprehensive and concise, Stem Cell Wars provides an indispensable primer for anyone interested in what promises to be the most significant medical science breakthrough in our lifetimes. It should also serve as a timely antidote to the politically inspired misinformation surrounding this important issue.” ―Ron Reagan
“Eve Herold's book is a forthright and compelling declaration of the immensely promising potential of stem cell research. Using clear logic and emotionally evocative accounts of patients in need, Herold makes an impassioned and convincing case for increasing stem cell research funding.” ―Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
“Eve Herold is the consummate battlefield correspondent of the Stem Cell Wars, a latter-day Ernie Pyle or Edward R. Murrow chronicling the clash of ideologies and science that help define the superheated politics of the 21st century. She seems to be everywhere at once: in the councils of the combatants, behind closed doors on Capitol Hill, beside the scientists and the suffering patients they hope to save, even to the South Korean laboratory where science fraud of historic proportions threatened to end the great promise of regenerative medicine. In her dispatches from the front, Eve Herold's sympathies are unwaveringly with the patients--the women and men, children and families--whose tragic and inspiring stories are the warm heart of this timely and disturbing book.” ―Dan Perry, Vice President and former President, Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, Executive Director, Alliance for Aging Research
“Eve Herold weaves the stories of patients with debilitating diseases, of reports of scientific discoveries involving stem cells and cloning, with her firsthand participation in the policy developments in the rapidly evolving field of stem cell research. She provides an understanding for the casual reader of the nuances of this research, its potential impact on the practice of medicine and the current impact on society and research of policy decisions, both pro and con. She sifts through various layers of the science and the social and religious controversies, and provides an easily followed time frame of the major discoveries and events over the past decade in stem cell research, including the most recent revelation of scientific fraud in producing patient-specific embryonic stem cells. The issues with stem cell research are complex and Herold is successful in presenting them in an easily understood fashion.” ―John Gearhart, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
“Eve Herold is an eyewitness to history. She chronicles the battle of patients and researchers to advance the greatest medical breakthrough of our lifetimes in this highly readable account of the rancorous public policy debate that has become the #1 wedge issue in American politics. As part of the chronicle of the world stem cell debate, Eve Herold presents the inside story of Woo Suk Hwang and the Korean cloning scandal, and supplies the shocking details about the misconduct that rocked all of medical science.” ―Bernard Siegel, Executive Director, Genetics Policy Institute
“The most important (and often overlooked) element in the stem cell research equation is the patients who are struggling right now. Stem Cell Wars brings us in touch with the irrepressible humanity of the folks who won't give up. Eve Herold knows the people involved in the struggle for stem cell research because she herself is at the center of the storm. An outstanding science writer, Ms. Herold makes the issues clear in a fascinatingly readable style. Engaging and clearly written, a must-have book to understand what's happening behind the scenes in a world where a political mistake could delay life and death research for decades. As someone who has been involved in stem cell politics essentially since it began, I learned a lot from this book!” ―Don C. Reed, Chairman, Californians for Cures
“Simple and to-the-point, this book gives a thorough explanation of what stem cell research is, why there's so much controversy surrounding it and ultimately, why our government must change course to allow it to flourish.” ―June Walker, President of Hadassah
“Herold has written an exciting, rapidly moving account of the events associated with stem cell research.” ―Ian Wilmut, Times Higher Education Supplement
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition (September 18, 2007)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1403984999
- ISBN-13 : 978-1403984999
- Item Weight : 11.9 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #9,127,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,850 in Cell Biology (Books)
- #4,353 in Death
- #5,339 in Biotechnology (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Eve Herold has had a lifelong fascination with issues at the intersection of science and society. She has written and spoken extensively about the transformative power of cutting-edge science and medicine. Driven by an insatiable curiosity about what lies ahead for the human race, Eve's work crosses categories, exploring issues in biology, bioethics, social issues, end-of-life issues and human-technology interaction. Always at the center of her writings are real men and women seeking to navigate a world that is changing beneath our feet.
Eve is past director of the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at the American Psychiatric Association and has served as Director of Public Policy Research and Education at the Genetics Policy Institute. Other positions include Public Education director for the Stem Cell Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting biomedical research and education. She is also the former managing editor of The Gerontologist, a scholarly journal that explores the many facets of aging and its impact on society.
Eve lives in the Washington, DC area, is married and has a cat named Cosmo.
Customer reviews
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star78%22%0%0%0%78%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star78%22%0%0%0%22%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star78%22%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star78%22%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star78%22%0%0%0%0%
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Before I say more, I should offer a disclaimer: I've come know the author over the past year or so in her capacity as the director of research, policy, and education for the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI). This kind and thoughtful woman plays a key role in developing programs for conferences which integrate science, policy, and patient advocacy on stem cell research. In the meetings I've attended, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues within a broad and humane perspective. And so, I was acquainted with Eve Herold's voice before "hearing" it in print. But my inclination to be favorably disposed towards "Stem Cell Wars," was more than confirmed by reading the book.
"Stem Cell Wars" is written for a general audience in a clear and engaging way. But, it is Herold's passion for the subject, fueled by her deep compassion for individuals suffering from medical conditions that might well benefit from the research that drives this book. She is unapologetic for her sense of outrage at the slight of hand, deception, and disingenuous maneuvering she deplores in the chapter, "Political Spin and Weapons of Mass Distraction." She helps us see more clearly how some opponents to abortion see thwarting embryonic stem cell research as a way to indirectly undermine Roe vs. Wade. And, her first-hand account of the Korean cloning scandal enriches our understanding of this contemporary history.
There is sufficient detail in "Stem Cell Wars," but the reader will never be overwhelmed by it. Herold has a way of lucidly distilling the essence of her arguments.
In addition, George Daly, a prominent stem cell research has written a masterful foreword for the book, which itself, is engaging, and concisely insightful.
"Stem Cell Wars" should help the reader to understand that embryonic stem cell research is not immoral, as claimed by some. On the contrary, as Herold argues, it is morally imperative for us to give this research a chance fulfill its potential to bring better treatments and even cures for conditions that afflict many millions.
If what I have written has not convinced you that this is an important book, please note that several right wing and fundamentalist blogs have been quick to vehemently trash it. It would seem that they really don't want you to read "Stem Cell Wars."
That's understandable I guess. After all, what you don't know can't hurt them.
Eve Herold starts out by first briefly citing historic examples where religious theologies and ideologies impeded scientific progress. One can literally write volumes about this topic as the sheer number of such examples in history is unfathomable. Hence, it could have been omitted. She provided good, brief explanations and reviews of the science of stem cell research, in language that most laymen can comprehend.
She discusses Bush's policy and only a few inside stories from Washington DC about the politics surrounding this issue, highlighting especially senator Sam Brownback as the biggest fighter against this stem cell research, going as far as sponsoring bills that would criminalize science of stem cell research of any kind! (This theocrat needs to be voted out of office!)
In almost each chapter, Eve Herold covers individual cases of people who could be helped by the science of stem cell research, strengthening her case. Finally, in the last chapters, she covers the Korean controversy in detail and gives a brief overview of current British policy towards stem cell research.
The reason I found it inadequate is because I expected more, as well as, more detailed stories regarding the precise politics of this issue, referring to specific Senators and Congressmen who stand against this vital research. I wanted them to get exposed and get voted out. Being a biologist, I was at times bored reading about the science of it or that religious bigotry prevents this research. Those are well known facts. I wanted more exposure for the fools who stand against it, and I felt to that end it was insufficient. However, for starters, this book is very good and worth the read.