--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Laura Eckart" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 17:14:09 -0400
Subject: talking points
Several people have e-mailed me indicating that they would like a script
or talking points of what to say to their Member of Congress when they
see them this August. Below are talking points on embryonic stem cell
research and the amount of appropriations PAN is asking for in the 2002
budget.
I feel that your personal story is much more compelling than anything I
could script for you. Just make sure to tell your personal story and how
it is relevant to research funding and embryonic stem cell funding.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Laura Eckart
###
CORE MESSAGES
EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
Embryonic Stem Cells Hold Tremendous Promise
The Suffering of Millions of Americans Could End
Scientists believe embryonic stem cells may hold vast potential in the
fight against deadly diseases. The cells, which can replicate themselves
indefinitely, may some day be used to grow new tissue that will become
the "missing link" needed to cure some of the world's most debilitating
illnesses and conditions. Scientists already have demonstrated that
growth factors can direct the development of human embryonic cells into,
for example, insulin-producing cells that might help cure type-1
diabetes. As many as 100 million Americans suffer from afflictions such
as diabetes, Parkinson's, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, ALS (Lou
Gehrig's disease) and many others that may be cured by embryonic stem
cell research.
ü Clinics Now Destroy Excess Embryonic Stem Cells
A Majority of Couples Want Good to Come from Their Excess Eggs
Embryonic stem cells come from excess fertilized eggs that are destined
to be discarded at in vitro fertility clinics throughout the United
States. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 eggs stored in
freezers, as well as countless more destroyed every day - more than
enough for use by scientific researchers. Couples should be asked for
their informed consent to donate their excess eggs either to another,
infertile couple or for use in embryonic stem cell research. Both are
ethical options. Nearly half of couples now say they would be willing to
designate their unused, fertilized eggs to science, for use in medical
research.
ü Federal Funding of the Research Protects the Public Interest
Private Funding-only Means Research Without Safeguards and the
Possibility that More Eggs than Necessary will be Destroyed
Federal funding is critically important to this research. Without it,
the nation's top academic researchers - employed at research
universities, medical schools and teaching hospitals that rely on federal
research funds -- will largely be unable to pursue this work. That means
slower progress toward life-saving medical cures. Tax dollars keep the
"public" in public interest - ensuring that research is not confined to
the for-profit, commercial sector, and allowing the federal government to
set ethical standards and advance peer-reviewed work that is subject to
public oversight through Congress.
ü Stem Cell Research Is at an Early Stage
Embryonic Stem Cells Offer More Promise than Adult Stem Cells
We support research involving both adult and embryonic stem cells. Both
have shown promise. Many scientists believe, however, that embryonic stem
cells will be more effective in curing diseases because, unlike adult
cells, they can grow and differentiate in large quantities into any of
the body's cells and tissues and thus into different organs.
ü Public Opinion Strongly Favors Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The Majority of Americans (Regardless of Religious Affiliation) Support
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The American people want embryonic stem cell research to move forward.
Independent opinion surveys show that public support is overwhelming - 70
percent or more - and includes surprisingly strong backing from
fundamentalist Christians, Catholics and abortion opponents. More than
100 newspapers have editorialized in favor of federal funding for stem
cell research, and 61 members of the United States Senate and 202 House
members have written President Bush to urge support.
#####
Appropriations- All Request as for Fiscal Year 2002
1.Continuation of the Doubling of the NIH budget- which is a 16.5 %
increase from last year- or 3.4 billion dollars.
2. Continuation of funding for the NIH's Parkinson's 5 Year Research
Agenda - which is 143.5 million dollars. This money is included in the
NIH doubling budget, not in addition.
3. Funding the Department of Defense Neurotoxin Exposure Research
Treatment Program (NETRP) at 50 million dollars.
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