> Subject: Re: ARTICLE: Scientists' announcement sure to add fuel to
ethical debate
> From: Linda J Herman <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 21:52:33 -0400
The following are from the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical
Research website . Go to<www.stemcellfunding.org> for more information
-- many
news articles, sample letters, editorials, etc. You can also write to
the President and your Congressional representative directly from this
web site.
7/10/2001
Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR)
Development of Embryonic Stem Cells from Fertilized Eggs Created for
Research Purposes Demonstrates Need for Federal Oversight
Washington, DC-July 10, 2001-The July 2001 issue of Fertility &
Sterility reported that scientists at the Jones Institute for
Reproductive
Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, using private funding, have
created new embryonic stem cell lines using sperm and eggs donated
specifically for that purpose.
"This research demonstrates the urgent need for federal oversight of stem
cell research, but federal oversight will only come hand-in-hand with
federal funding," said Lawrence Soler, Chairman of the Coalition for the
Advancement of Medical Research. The Administration is currently
considering whether or not to allow federal funding of embryonic stem
cell
research using excess fertilized eggs from in-vitro fertilization
procedures.
Under the current NIH stem cell guidelines, federal funds could not be
used on fertilized eggs created for research purposes. A decision by the
Administration is expected any day.
"Federal funding for the creation of an embryo solely for research
purposes would not be allowed if the current NIH guidelines were in
effect.
The Coalition for the Advancement for Medical Research continues to
urge the Administration to support these guidelines," added Mr. Soler.
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is a stem
cell research advocacy coalition comprised of over 50 universities,
scientific societies, and voluntary health organizations. The goal of the
coalition is to ensure that current federal policy regarding funding for
stem
cell research is retained. For more information visit the website:
www.stemcellfunding.org.
For more information contact: Julie Kimbrough, 212-479-7536 Maggie
Friedman, 973-379-2690, ext 15
Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
Letter from 38 Republican House Members to President Bush
7/9/2001
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush:
We are writing to ask you to support the current policy of allowing
federal
funding of embryonic stem cell research. We believe that funding
embryonic stem cell research will help scientists find new treatments for
chronic diseases and will, ultimately, save lives.
We know that there is great pressure from some to change the current
policy. But we truly believe that such a change would not be in the
interests of the health and welfare of the people we represent. For their
sake, we have worked to do all we can to advance scientific knowledge and
encourage development of new treatments for chronic illnesses such as
Alzheimer's disease, juvenile diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. In the
case of juvenile diabetes, many children stand to benefit if embryonic
stem
cell research leads to the development of new, insulin-producing cells.
As you are will aware, support of embryonic stem cell research crosses
political parties and philosophical views on abortion. For many families
with loved ones suffering form chronic diseases, this is a matter of life
or
death. We know that with effective safeguards, we can help millions of
people while ensuring proper oversight on the use of embryonic stem
cells.
We also believe that, at best, it is too early to determine the promising
advancement that embryonic stem cells can provide compared to adult
stem cells. Scientists cannot predict which fundamental investigations
will
result in new applications that will benefit humans. But for that very
reason, limiting the ability of scientists to investigate embryonic stem
cells
now could hinder our ability to help in the future.
We know you are giving this matter serious thought. We ask that you
support the existing policy of providing federal funds for embryonic stem
cell research. If we can be helpful to you as you consider your choices,
please know you can call on us.
With best regards,
cc: The Honorable Tommy Thompson
Signees:
1. The Honorable Jennifer Dunn, (Republican, 8th WA)
2. The Honorable George R. Nethercutt, (Republican, 5th WA)
3. The Honorable Michael Castle, (Republican, At Large, DE)
4. The Honorable Mark S. Kirk, (Republican 10th IL)
5. The Honorable Charles Bass, (Republican 2nd NH)
6. The Honorable Robert R. Simmons, (Republican 2nd CT)
7. The Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman, (Republican 20th NY)
8. The Honorable Nancy Johnson, (Republican 6th CT)
9. The Honorable Deborah Pryce, (Republican 15th OH)
10. The Honorable Wayne Gilchrest,(Republican 1st MD)
11. The Honorable Kay Granger, (Republican 12th TX)
12. The Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen, (Republican 11th NJ)
13. The Honorable Amory Houghton, Jr. (Republican 31st, NY)
14. The Honorable Connie Morella, (Republican 8th, VA)
15. The Honorable Randy Cunningham"Duke", (Republican 51st CA)
16. The Honorable Christopher Shays, (Republican 4th CT)
17. The Honorable E. Clay Shaw, (Republican 22nd FL)
18. The Honorable Marge Roukema, (Republican 5th NJ)
19. The Honorable Jim Koulbe, (Republican 5th AZ)
20. The Honorable John Cooksey, (Republican 5th LA)
21. The Honorable Sue Kelly, (Republican 19th NY)
22. The Honorable Jim Greenwood, (Republican 8th PA)
23. The Honorable Sherwood Boehlert, (Republican 23rd NY)
24. The Honorable Jerry Lewis, (Republican 40th CA)
25. The Honorable Philip English, (Republican 21st PA)
26. The Honorable Steve Horn, (Republican 38th CA)
27. The Honorable Dan Miller, (Republican 13th FL)
28. The Honorable Greg Ganske, (Republican 4th IA)
29. The Honorable Benjamin Gilman, (Republican 20th NY)
30. The Honorable Mark Foley, (Republican 16th FL)
31. The Honorable William M. Thomas, (Republican 21st CA)
32. The Honorable Jim Ramstad, (Republican 3rd MN)
33. The Honorable Johnny Isakson, (Republican 5th OK)
34. The Honorable Jim Leach, (Republican 1st IA)
35. The Honorable James Gibbons, (Republican 2nd NV)
36. The Honorable Judy Biggert, (Republican 13th IL)
37. The Honorable Tom Davis, (Republican 11th VA)
38. The Honorable John Duncan, (Republican 2nd TN)
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