January  26, 2007Volume 07, Issue 01-04
Spotlight: Michael Sarcona
Senator Coleman's Bill
Neural Stem Cells

Dear SCAN Members,

I would rather be reporting progress in research using embryonic stem cells,
amniotic stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells, adult stem cells, any kind
of stem cells, but we are back to talking about politics in Washington D.C.
As you all know, research and politics are intertwined: more federal dollars
for research, more reports on advances, treatments, even cures.
We believe that the U.S. Senate is likely to vote on the Stem Cell
Enhancement Act in mid-February, probably right after Presidents' Day
weekend. (Of course, anything can still affect the Senate calendar.) We
believe that there will be a major patient-driven event in D.C. after that
vote, which at the moment still seems shy of the 67 votes needed for
over-ride, but the handicappers (pun intended?) are optimistic we may yet
squeak out a victory. Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA)
have both mentioned their belief that this year the Senate will reach a
veto-proof majority.  (The vote in the Senate last summer was 63 votes
Pro-Cures, 4 votes shy.)
So SCAN is revving up the grassroots (that's you) to again become active in
the next few weeks to contact key U.S. Senators to urge them to listen to
their constituents and pass the bill. Go to the SCAN website,
www.stemcellaction.org to see how you can contact your Senator.

More SCAN news:
Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, M.D. of Washington University in St. Louis, a member
of SCAN's Scientific Advisory Board, has responded to Senator Norm Coleman's
(R- MN) bill  - see link at left - as follows:

      Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) on Tuesday (1/23/07) introduced a bill
that would provide $5 billion in federal funds over 10 years for human
embryonic stem cell research using cells from embryos that have "died
naturally" and for research using altered nuclear transfer. Professor Steven
Teitelbaum M.D., Washington University, St. Louis when asked to evaluate the
feasibility of these two procedures describes the intractable problems that
would result:

-  Use of "dead" embryos: There is no way to determine precisely when an
embryo has "died". Also, if stem cells were to be extracted from a "dead"
embryo then the stem cells would be less than optimally functional, if at
all viable or "alive".
-
"Altered nuclear transfer": This procedure, which creates a "crippled"
embryo does not resolve either side of the presumptive ethical dilemma. If
one believes that the unimplanted embryo is equivalent to a human, then
destroying those which are disabled is unacceptable. Alternatively, if one
believes we should be using excess embryos which would be otherwise
destroyed to hopefully cure patients with presently incurable diseases,
altered nuclear transfer represents an additional technical hurdle which
will surely retard progress.

Dr. Teitelbaum's conclusion is the same as that of the majority of
scientists who are engaged in and knowledgeable of the characteristics of
stem cells: research must proceed on all types of stem cells including
embryonic, to ensure that progress toward treatments for intractable
diseases and conditions is not constrained or delayed.

- Jeff Eisen has agreed to coordinate our SCAN State Committees. We are
identifying key activists in various states and helping to connect them and
provide them with tools to educate and organize in their respective states.
Are you busy working by yourself to promote stem cell research? Do you want
to become more active but aren't sure how to proceed? Please email Jeff at
my address below to discuss getting involved.
- We continue to work to sign up "SCAN Partners" in the belief that all the
grassroots advocacy groups are more effective when we cooperate and
coordinate our activities. Is your group a "Partner" ? If not, contact me,
[log in to unmask] to become one.

New Officers: David Eagleton, of St.Louis has agreed to function on our
Board of directors as SCAN' s Treasurer. Welcome and Thank you!.

Idelle Datlof
Executive Director

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