Spine Society Urges Bush to Fund Stem Cell Research
U.S. Newswire - 25 Jun 11:17
North American Spine Society Urges President Bush to Continue
Federal Funding of Stem Cell Research
To: National Desk, Health Reporter
Contact: Pamela Krueger, 708-588-8082
Terre Hall, 703-724-4176
both for the North American Spine Society
CHICAGO, June 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The North American Spine
Society (NASS) released the following statement from its President,
Volker K. H. Sonntag, regarding the importance of continued federal
funding of stem cell research:
"At this very moment, NASS members across the nation are
conducting cutting edge research to find a cure for those crippled
by spinal cord injuries and other back-related conditions. Stem
cell research holds enormous potential for the development of
breakthrough therapies to treat brain and spinal cord injuries, as
well as diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,
AIDS and diabetes.
Stem cells literally hold the key to life and a better future
for millions affected by disease and injury. For this reason, NASS
strongly urges the Bush Administration to continue federal funding
for research using pluripotent stem cells. This one decision could
potentially decide the fate of millions of Americans afflicted with
debilitating diseases, as well as those affected by spinal cord
injuries.
We urge President Bush to continue the leadership of House
Speakers Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert, who through Congress
have placed enormous priority and emphasis on the importance of
funding disease research through the National Institutes of Health,
which has helped re-invigorate medical research in this country.
As a result, the medical research community literally stands at the
brink of enormous breakthroughs that will bring hope -- and a cure
-- to those stricken by disease and injury today, and for
generations to come. However, if stem cell research is banned in
the United States, European countries will likely cross the
frontier of the future of medicine leaving the United States far
behind in the development of new therapies and cutting edge
technologies.
We recognize, and respect, the passion and depth of feeling that
both sides put forward in the debate over embryo research. Yet,
pluripotent stem cells ("master cells" that give rise to all human
tissue) are not embryos, but rather the basic building blocks upon
which all living tissue is based. And equally important,
according to strict NIH guidelines, any cells being used in stem
cell research were predetermined to be discarded.
Stem cell research may literally form the bridge that leads us
to a cure for spinal cord injuries or Parkinson's disease, which is
why President Bush's decision to continue federal funding is vital
to the future of medical research."
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To receive a copy of the letter NASS sent to President Bush
urging his support for stem cell research, or to schedule an
interview with a member of the North American Spine Society, please
contact Terre Hall at 703-724-4176.
The North American Spine Society (NASS) is a non-profit,
multidisciplinary organization that advocates quality spine care
through education, research and advocacy.
NASS comprises more than 30 different specialties including
orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, neurologists,
radiologists, anesthesiologists, physical therapists
and other spine care professionals.
http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/0625-109.html
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