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Mainstream Religious People Back Stem Cell Research U.S. Newswire 8 Mar 8:27 Religious Coalition Tells President Bush That Mainstream Religious People Back Stem Cell Research To: National Desk Contact: Marjorie Signer of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, 202-628-7700 ext. 208 WASHINGTON, March 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, a 28-year-old national organization of clergy and laity of many faiths, has offered President George W. Bush a mainstream faith-based perspective on research with stem cells and fetal tissue. At a Senate Budget Committee hearing March 6, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said federal funding for such research -- opposed by "Religious Right" groups -- is being re-evaluated. The Religious Coalition today advised the President and Secretary Thompson that mainstream religious individuals of diverse faiths believe such research is morally appropriate. "Our religious teachings offer us guidance in dealing with ethical and moral realities never before envisioned," Coalition Board Co-Chair Donna R. Gary wrote. "Although we differ in our faith affirmations, we agree that as people of faith we are called to be partners with God in healing and in the alleviation of human pain and suffering." The Coalition "affirmed the morality of using embryonic and fetal issue, with careful regulation, for vital research that may result in restoring health to those suffering serious illnesses for which there is no cure." Appropriate regulations, such as those already in place, must continue to ensure that the decisions to donate tissue and have an abortion are separate. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos that are no longer needed for in vitro fertilization and will be discarded. Research with embryonic stem cells has enormous potential for finding treatments for such illnesses as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, brain injury, stroke, and heart disease. The Coalition asked President Bush to work with people of faith in promoting responsible public dialogue and information- sharing about research. Faith groups should take the responsibility of educating their members about ethical decision-making in new areas of scientific research. Copyright 2001, U.S. Newswire http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/0308-102.html ********