The following is forwarded from the Parkinson Alliance. Please read and
take action if you live in New Jersey and pass on to family members and
friends in N.J.
"Act Now to Support Assemby Bill A-2840which permits stem cell research
and somatic cell nuclear transplantation ("SCNT") to occur in New Jersey
We are at a critical moment in the fight to cure Parkinson's disease and
numerous other chronic, degenerative and acute diseases. Vital
legislation to advance medical research is currently pending in the New
Jersey Legislature, and your elected representatives need to hear that
you strongly urge them to vote for this important bill. We are writing to
ask that you take a few moments out of your busy life to make your voice
heard.
Assembly Bill A-2840 permits stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear
transplantation ("SCNT") to occur in New Jersey. As you know, these two
areas of research hold tremendous promise for the cure of some of the
world's deadliest diseases. Passage of A-2840 in this state will spark
and support increases in research funding, in public and private sectors
alike. This means a greater chance for us to attract and retain the best
scientists; strengthen our job market; and above all, offer hope to the
many New Jersey Citizens whose health, finances and general well being
are sapped and often destroyed by these devastating diseases.
What A-2840 does:
A-2840 provides that the public policy of New Jersey is to permit the
conduct of research involving human embryonic, human embryonic germ and
adult stem cells, including SCNT. This policy declaration is crucial to
the thousands of New Jersey citizens suffering from diseases and
conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Juvenile Diabetes, Alzheimer's
and spinal cord injuries.
A-2840 prohibits reproductive cloning, making it a crime of the first
degree.
A- 2840 strengthens requirements for medical and ethical review of
research projects, and provides for full review by an institutional
review board, operating in accordance with federal regulations.
A-2840 provides a procedure by which donors may donate their embryos
for research, and makes it a crime for any person to buy or sell
embryonic or fetal tissue, echoing and expanding upon existing state and
federal prohibitions.
Why must we Act Now ...
Because we are so close to victory. This legislation has already cleared
the New Jersey Senate Health Committee, and has already passed the full
New Jersey Senate. The bill was almost voted on in the Assembly, but was
withdrawn.
Powerful organizations, such as New Jersey Right to Life, mounted a
well-organized fax and letter campaign opposing the bill on religious
grounds, rooted in their belief that couples should not be able to donate
their excess embryos to research, rather than having them destroyed.
We are hopeful that a vote will occur in the Assembly on this important
bill prior to the end of the current legislative session in early January
2004. To ensure the bill passes, we need the support of your Assembly
members.
The time to take this enormous step in the area of medical research, a
step that could touch the lives of thousands of families across our
State, is right now. This bill could be voted on as early as December
11th.
Governor James E. McGreevey has already committed to signing this bill.
The Senate has passed it. Parkinson's and other disease sufferers need
this bill. The only piece left in this effort is for YOU TO CONTACT YOUR
ASSEMBLY MEMBERS AND URGE THEM TO SUPPORT A-2840.
What can you do?
Write, Call, or Fax Your Assembly Members before December 9, 2003.
Locate the Name, address and fax number of your representative by calling
the Office of Public Information, (800) 792-8630, or visiting
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp. A sample
letter of support is available by clicking here. You may also send a
computer-generated letter of support by clicking on
www.carlricciotrust.com/letter.asp and completing that form.
E-mail your Assemby Members by December 9, 2003. Most members of the
Assembly can be reached via email. Names and email links may be found at
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp.
We all know that the holiday season can be a busy time. Please spare just
a few moments to help the millions of individuals in this nation and
abroad suffering from potentially curable diseases, by making one simple
call, or by sending one letter, fax, or email.
These diseases will not wait. Neither should the New Jersey Legislature.
Source:
http://www.parkinsonalliance.net/news/assembybill.html
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