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Stem Cell Guidelines NIH Office of Science Policy 1 Center Drive Building 1, Room 218 Bethesda, MD 20892 To those assembling public comment: I am replying to your request for public comment on the Draft National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (December 1999) on the World Wide Web at http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/draftguidelines.htm My interest is that I have Parkinson's disease, and the use of stem cells has substantial possibilities as an effective palliation and likely even a cure. I understand that some people, a small but vocal minority, have severe misgivings about the use of stem cells. I understand their concern, but I do not share it. I would accept the Guidelines as they stand, though I would rather see them a bit more permissive. I am of the opinion that Research involving stem cells is one area that is likely to bear fruit soon for Parkinson's Disease. It will be done in the United States if the use of pluripotent stem cells is NOT unduly restricted. It will be done outside the United States if the use of pluripotent stem cells IS unduly restricted. The work will be done somewhere, because it shows sufficient promise. Out of my pride for my country, among other reasons. I would like to see it done in the U. S. As for those people who would lay tougher restrictions on the use of pluripotent stem cells, let me say this: If the work is done within the U.S., then the life that is represented by the pluripotent stem cells will be treated with high regard The laws now in existence in the U.S. require this. By contrast, should the research move abroad, the concern for lives may be less great. If these people truly respect life, they will encourage that the research be done here, rather than take the chance that the research be done in a milieu less committed to preservation of life. For these reasons, I would like to see fetal cell and pluripotent stem cell research allowed in U.S.Government work as proposed with the same or, preferably, less restraints. J. Arthur Hirsch Lewisville, TX [log in to unmask] 972-436-4772