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Parkinson's Action Network Denounces Stem Cell Bill U.S. Newswire 8 Jun 17:34 Parkinson's Action Network Denounces Rep. Smith's Bill Which Intentionally Excludes the Most Promising Stem Cell Research To: National Desk, Health Reporter Contact: Melissa Narins, 703-780-0880, for the Parkinson's Action Network WASHINGTON, June 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) denounced the bill introduced today by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) which intentionally excludes human embryonic stem cell research -- the most promising avenue of stem cell research -- calling it a sham that threatens to jeopardize medical breakthroughs for millions of Americans. "Instead of helping the millions of Americans who suffer from Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer and the other devastating diseases that stand to benefit from embryonic stem cell research, Rep. Smith's bill would hold them hostage by intentionally excluding the most promising stem cell research," said Joan Samuelson, president of the Parkinson's Action Network. "This bill, combined with the Bush administration's directive to the NIH in April which resulted in the halting of embryonic stem cell research funding, is very disturbing to those of us who believe that all avenues of stem cell research should be aggressively pursued." Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos developed for in vitro fertilization that are in excess of the infertile couple's need and would otherwise be discarded. Rep. Smith and his supporters argue that embryonic stem cell research is not necessary because "adult" stem cells may be just as effective. "This is simply untrue," said Samuelson. "The potential value of 'adult' stem cells is much less certain and experts in this field of research agree that it will take years of further study to determine their therapeutic potential." A survey released last month by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) found that public support for human embryonic stem cell research is overwhelming -- 70 percent -- and includes surprisingly strong backing from fundamentalist Christians and abortion opponents. "If Congress stands in the way of embryonic stem cell research, millions of Americans will be forced to wait as the clock ticks, enduring unnecessary suffering and death," Samuelson added. "I urge Members of Congress and President Bush to reject the inflammatory rhetoric and distorted claims made by those who oppose embryonic stem cell research and realize its life-saving potential." Based in Alexandria, Va., the Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) was founded in 1991 to provide a national voice for the Parkinson's community in public policy, with the goal of a Parkinson's cure by the earliest possible date. http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/0608-140.html ******* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn