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Regarding HHS Secty Designate Gov. Tommy Thompson's position on stem cell research, I am pleasantly surprised to find out that he's a friend not an enemy. I started to research this because I am a Wisconsinite and know his record here in Wisconsin as being anti-abortion. The web site below refers to his "state of the State" address from 1-2 years ago where he praises James Thomson for his work in stem cell research here in Madison. Thomson I hope impressed Gov. Thompson with his explanation of stem cells so much that even Tommy could understand and balancing the political benefits such as increased business in the state vs. the costs of alienating the religious right he came down on the right side of the issue. http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/news/sp_detail.asp?prid=3 Also the following web site he remains pro stem cell research for economic reasons but tries not to alienate the Right. http://www.wispolitics.com/freeser/features/f00082904i.html. He doesn't avoid controversy however no matter how much he tries see below taken from: Pro-Life Wisconsin Banner April/May 1999 Issue http://www.prolifewisconsin.org/ban_0499.htm#EMBRYO Note the presumptuous "informing of the governor that the research is wrong" rather than stating that it is something that they oppose on moral grounds. "PLW INFORMS GOVERNOR THOMPSON:HUMAN EMBRYO RESEARCH IS WRONG" "During his “State of the State” address on January 27, Governor Tommy Thompson paid tribute to UW-Madison human embryo researcher, Dr. James Thomson. Thomson’s research involves mutilating and destroying tiny human embryos to extract their stem cells." "Supporters of human embryo research believe that the stem cells can be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes and additionally they hope that the stem cells can be used to grow new organs and brain cells. Although researchers may have good motives, killing human beings to save human beings is never permissible. Additionally, stem cells can be obtained from sources other than human embryos including postpartum umbilical cords. Swedish researchers recently published an article in Cell magazine documenting that stem cells can also be obtained in a manner that does not involve killing a preborn baby. "After Governor Thompson’s address, Pro-Life Wisconsin and some other national pro-life leaders and scientists contacted Governor Thompson’s office to inform him that the UW-Madison research is not pro-life. PLW State Director Mary Matuska met with the governor’s aide on January 29 in an attempt to explain the concerns of pro-lifers. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and the Wisconsin State Journal reported on Pro-Life Wisconsin’s critique of Governor Thompson’s support of human embryo research. Additionally, a La Crosse Times Review editorial praised Pro-Life Wisconsin for “doing their job—looking for where the dignity of the human person is undermined and calling the governor on it.” " "Unfortunately, Governor Thompson continues to support the research. In a letter dated 3/5/99, Thompson states, “As for the embryonic stem cell research, Dr. Thomson deserves commendation. Dr. Thomson’s research...offers significant potential for human life. The potential applications and benefits of this research are enormous.” Dr. Dianne Irving, human embryology expert and bioethicist, in recent letter to Governor Thompson wrote, “Human embryo research, unless it is for the direct benefit of that particular individual human embryo, is banned in most countries in the world, and banned in the United States if federal funds are used—precisely because it is unethical.” Pro-Life Wisconsin will continue to educate our elected officials about the unethical nature of human embryo research." I hope this is useful to some of you. Charlie Charles T. Meyer, M.D. Middleton, WI PD DX 12 years (at age 44) Age 56