When Claude Gerstle, a surgeon and athlete, suffers a tragic bicycle accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, he and his daughter, Jessica, discover hope in the politicized area of science called stem cells. “The Accidental Advocate” is a wheelchair odyssey of a father and daughter who track down the thinkers, the politicians, the crusaders and the naysayers in an effort to understand the potential of the science and why a political quagmire is stalling a cure.
The film graphically depicts how embryonic stem cells can make any type of cell in the body so that one day it may be possible for scientists to generate pancreas, brain, liver, and nerve tissue, potentially reversing many previously incurable and chronic conditions. The film enables viewers to understand just what “adult stem cells,” “embryonic stem cells,” and “cloning” really mean, exploring the way research should be conducted, the scientific approaches to overcoming the ethical controversies, and the current status of medical trials.
On August 9, 2001, President Bush made his judgment, banning federal funding for research on embryonic stem cell lines created after that date. His decision set off a firestorm of criticism. Claude and Jessica follow the Congressional effort to change the policy, interviewing those on both sides of the issue. They speak with Sen. Sam Brownback and his scientific expert from the right-wing Family Research Council who try to convince them that embryonic stem cell research is unnecessary and immoral. They discuss the issue with Sen. Orrin Hatch who is pro-life but staunchly pro-embryonic stem cell research. And they watch the Senate summon a majority to pass a bill to expand federal funding of the research, sending H.R. 810 to the President’s desk. The following day, Jessica and Claude witness President Bush veto the legislation from inside the East Room of the White House. Claude and Jessica follow the ramifications of Bush’s policy.
Claude and Jessica follow the ramifications of Bush’s policy. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sits with Claude, discussing California’s frustrated attempt to fund its labs. His state recently passed a $3 billion initiative to fund stem cell research in California to fill the void created by the federal policy and support labs in his state. For Claude, the impact of Bush’s decision is personal. He becomes frustrated with the delay in progress in this country and searches out other options — from old-fashioned exercise to overseas treatments. As nations try to beat America and take the lead in this medical field, Claude and Jessica meet American patients who can wait no longer to see what increased funding and research might bring. Desperate for a cure for their loved ones, they travel abroad for cell transplantations that have no proven benefit.
“The Accidental Advocate” arrives just in time for the 2008 election, giving voters the solid information they need to develop thoughtful opinions, in the face of the moral, political, scientific and economic obstacles to stem cell research.
This is a film about science. This is a film about politics. This film is about ethics. But, finally, this is a film about a family. It tells the intricate, delicate, personal story of how one family deals with the life-changing impact of this kind of injury.
