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Hi Dolores, This is a great letter... just one thing... Brownback added 9 more amendments, 21 of them one word only, total now 23... It is clear he is preparing to shut this bill down... murray Dolores wrote: Senator Sam Brownback is intent on leading a crusade against stem cell research. I don't share his views and consider statements made by him to consist of emotionally overwrought, inaccurate phraseology apparently intended to generate negative knee jerk reaction. In vitro fertilization has made it possible to bring new life into the loving arms of childless couples. Pluripotent stem cells themselves have no potential to develop into living beings. The cells in excess of what are needed for successful in vitro fertilization are incinerated after being discarded by fertility clinics unless the couple approve of their use in research. This is a true pro life endeavor. Those who oppose stem cell research would have us believe otherwise. In a bi-partisan undertaking Senators Specter and Harkin have introduced legislation, S. 2015 to provide for government funding of stem cell research. It is fitting and praiseworthy that they have done so because Federally funded research will result in strict adherence to the ethical guidelines adopted by National Institutes of Health. Monies invested in research now will prove to be insignificant compared to the costs involved in caring for the population who will become disabled. As for the emotional costs which are incalculable look around you at those who will benefit by stem cell research. Each passing day means further deterioration for those who suffer from spinal cord injury, stroke, Alzheimer's, heart disease, Parkinson's, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, etc. It is believed that stem cell research will shed light on the causes of birth defects and cancer and lead to cures. Senator Brownback has introduced 14 amendments to the Specter-Harkin legislation. If successful he will have managed to scuttle S. 2015 for this session of Congress. It will not be a legacy to be proud of. Dolores Gross ****************** [log in to unmask]