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These Bills kill themselves from the start: - HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH - conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells - Prior to the consideration of embryo donation - The stem cells were derived from human embryos AN ACT To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005'. SEC. 2. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. Part H of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 498C the following: `SEC. 498D. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. `(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any regulation or guidance), the Secretary shall conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells in accordance with this section (regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo). `(b) Ethical Requirements- Human embryonic stem cells shall be eligible for use in any research conducted or supported by the Secretary if the cells meet each of the following: `(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment. `(2) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded. `(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation. `(c) Guidelines- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of NIH, shall issue final guidelines to carry out this section. `(d) Reporting Requirements- The Secretary shall annually prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this section during the preceding fiscal year, and including a description of whether and to what extent research under subsection (a) has been conducted in accordance with this section.'. Passed the House of Representatives May 24, 2005. Attest: -----Original Message----- From: Alison Landes [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 6:01 AM Subject: Re: Pres. Bush responds to stem cell letter Peggy, I received a letter dated September 29, 2005 from Marguerite A. Murer, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence, "thanking me for writing to President Bush about the complex issue of human embryonic stem cell research. We appreciate hearing your views." The letter, consisting of 3 short paragraphs, is comprised of the same exact wording as you have noted below. Along with this letter was the same double-sided fact sheet on Stem Cell Research enclosed in your letter. Alison Landes Founder/ President Take Charge! Cure Parkinson's, Inc. 1489 W. Palmetto Park Road Suite 442 Boca Raton, Florida 33486 Tel: 561.620.1970 Fax: 561.488.5726 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Web site: _www.cureparkinsons.org_ (http://www.cureparkinsons.org/) In a message dated 10/22/05 2:08:16 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Back in mid August, I wrote a letter to President Bush concerning stem cells and HR 810, a bill requesting the use of federal research funds using excess embryos from fertility clinics. I shared the letter with this forum. See http://parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/parkmail1.1/2005c/ msg00271.html Today in my mailbox was a clearly personally written letter from Marguerite Murer, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence. I didn't expect a letter from Bush, but at least somebody high up read it. An excerpt from Ms. Murer's letter said, "In making a decision on the use of Federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, the President's position was shaped by deeply held beliefs in both the sanctity of human life and the potential of science and medicine to help humanity. He has given this issue a great deal of study, thought, prayer, and reflection." A "Fact sheet" on stem cell research was enclosed with information on the President's position. It 2 full pages composed of bits and pieces from his website www.whitehouse.gov with this quote at the top: "I believe America must pursue the tremendous possibilities of science, and I believe we can do so while still fostering and encouraging respect for human life in all its stages." (dated May 24, 2005) This was the day that the President endorsed embryo adoption, holding up a little boy named Tanner, born from such science. Further quotes on May 24 were: "The children here today remind us that there is no such thing as a spare embryo. Every embryo is unique and genetically complete, like every other human being. And each of us started out our life this way. These lives are not raw material to be exploited, but gifts. And I commend each of the families here today for accepting the gift of these children and offering them the gift of your love." And what's ironic is I agree with him to a point. I have a few unanswered questions for the President on this issue. If there is no such thing as a spare embryo, why are these 400,000 frozen embryos stored in US fertility clinics going to be destroyed (if not "adopted")? Why are the "bad" fertilized eggs (embryos) culled before implantation into the mother's womb? What about all those embryos that don't take (as many as 3 or more can be implanted at one fertilization attempt)? The questions can go on and on. Bottom line is this, no matter WHEN one feels life begins (and I happen to think it's not a viable life until implanted in the uterus), there is a DOUBLE STANDARD and INCONSISTENTSIES in the present policy. If he feels ALL embryos are life, then there are a lot of lives going to be destroyed when they could be used for research for diseases affecting millions of people already living. The Senate vote for stem cell expansion has been postponed until next year, which is understandable with all the natural disaster damage. But let's not let our congressmen and people undecided out there forget what is at stake in this vote. For just a few of the successful studies using stem cells, read Rep. Mike Castle's, author of HR 810, letter of support at http://www.parkinsonsaction.org/castleletteronstemcell.htm Continue to speak out in favor of this bill - write letters to local newspaper editors - pass out fact sheets, etc. Your future depends on it! Peggy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.12.5/147 - Release Date: 10/24/2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn