Marlee Matlin Fears For Deaf Stem-Cell Treatment

Marlee Matlin tweets concerns about a possible stem cell cure for deafness.



British researchers have been able to rebuild nerves in the ears of gerbils, and it is believed the same technique could one day be applicable to Deaf humans. However, Oscar-winning actress Matlin, who has been Deaf since she was 18 months old, is worried about the implications of the development. Matlin has been tweeting her mixed feelings about the recently announced “stem cell cure” for deafness.



Matlin commented that millions of Deaf Americans who communicate in sign language do not regard deafness as a "handicap" or a "'disease' to cure." She posted these comments on Twitter: “Imagine how I must feel with my children with me at the grocery store and someone says "I heard there's a cure for your deafness!" Think.”



"Deafness cure" is trending. My concern is that it's bigger than a "trend." It involves people and not as simple as the 4 letters in "cure." According to The Telegraph, some Deaf people feel that they don’t need to be fixed by medical intervention. The National Association of the Deaf says that many profoundly Deaf people who sign consider themselves to be part of a unique linguistic group through sign language and a unique Deaf culture.



Matlin's comments reflect the views of many members of the Deaf community...

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/article/marlee-matlin-tweets-concerns-about-a-possible-stem-cell-cure-for-deafness