From: Genetics Policy Institute 
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2010 12:39 PM
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Subject: Stem Cell Action News Vol.1, Number 1


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            Message from Bernie Siegel, Executive Director, Genetics Policy Institute

            This is the first issue of the Stem Cell Action News, the online newsletter of the Stem Cell Action Coalition launched on November 11. The newsletter will focus on politics and public policy relating to human embryonic stem cell research.
             
            When Congress reconvenes next week, they will have the opportunity to pass the “Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act” (H.R. 873/S. 487) and stand up for stem cell research.  This legislation, which supports this research, has never been more crucial given the federal lawsuit of Sherley v. Sebelius which threatens to wipe out all NIH funding of embryonic stem cell research. Underwritten in part by the arch social-conservative Alliance Defense Fund, the suit places years of critical research in jeopardy.
             
            For the past decade, well-funded research opponents have unleashed dozens of proposed laws, regulatory restrictions and lawsuits aimed at derailing the field. They strategize that by demonizing embryonic stem cell research and fostering the belief that microscopic embryos, in petri dishes, are “people”, that society may be convinced to accept their broader agenda.
             
            The Pro-Cures Movement that supports embryonic stem cell research has periodically rallied to fight overly broad restrictions imposed by research opponents.  Until now, our movement has been generally reactive rather than proactive. Again and again, patients, researchers and their allies must fight to defend the research. Here are just a few examples:
             
            2002-2005: the previous administration sought to condemn SCNT by world treaty. This was blocked when advocates flooded the UN with 35,000 fax letters supporting the research.
             
            2009: Texans for Advancement for Medical Research successfully battled a state bill and budget rider would have halted embryonic stem cell research and state funding in Texas institutions.
             
            2010: Florida Governor Charlie Crist exercised a line-item veto to block a law that would have cut off funding to state universities performing embryonic stem cell research. A few heroic legislators fought this attack, craftily engineered by research foes, and persuaded the governor to side with patients.
             
            2010: Michigan social-conservative legislators continue their efforts to chip away at Proposal 2, by seeking to impose unreasonable reporting restrictions, threatening researchers with jail time, for lawful embryonic stem cell research. Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures works tirelessly to defend the pro-cures cause.
             
            2010: voters in Colorado reject a ballot measure that would have declared “personhood” at conception. Had the measure been enacted, the measure would have shut down IVF, embryonic stem cell research and fostered endless rounds of litigation.
             
            The Stem Cell Action Coalition aims to “turn on the lights” and mobilize the overwhelming majority of Americans who support stem cell research, who see this not as a matter of public health, but as a matter of their own personal health and the well-being of their friends and loved ones.
             
            We encourage you to stay informed about these issues through future editions of the Stem Cell Action News and hope that you will lend support to the Stem Cell Action Coalition [Read the Press Release] at www.stemcellaction.org.

            Editorial
            Bernard Siegel
            Executive Director
            Genetics Policy Institute



           Vol.1 Issue 1: November 12, 2010 

            Stem Cell Action Coalition

            Act to Cure
            Addi & Cassi Fund
            The Adam Susser Foundation
            Alliance for Aging Research
            Alpha -1 Foundation
            ALS Worldwide
            Americans for Cures Foundation
            The Baby Alex Foundation
            Brooke Ellison Project
            California Hepatitis C Task Force
            Californians for Cures
            CNS Foundation
            Cure Michigan
            Determined 2 Heal
            Genetics Policy Institute
            Heumannly Capable
            Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures
            Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
            National Hepatitis C Task Force
            Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
            Neural Stem Cell Institute
            Roman Reed Foundation
            Sabina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research
            Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
            Shake-a-Leg Foundation
            Stand Among Friends
            South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures
            Student Society for Stem Cell Research
            Texans for Advancement of Medical Research
            Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
            Wisconsin Stem Cell Now



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