-- [ From: Seymour Gross * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --
To All List Members - Important
Particularly Pennsylvania and Iowa
Sen Arlen Specter (PA) will review the new NIH ruling on stem cell
research at a hearing on Tuesday, January 26. Sen. Specter, Chair, and
Sen. Tom Harkin (IA) who also serves on the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services have expressed strong
support for stem cell research, having been influenced in large measure
by Richard Pikunis' recent testimony. Their views are bolstered by the
fact that respected scientists have said that with appropriate funding a
cure for Parkinson's is possible in 5 - 10 years.
Richard M. Doerflinger, associate director for policy development at the
National Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes the research that Dr.
Varmus believes to be acceptable based on the ruling by lawyers at the
Department of Health and Human Services, that a ban on human embryo
research does not apply to stem cells.
I've been told by Sen. Specter's office that since the hearings a lot of
calls from opponents of stem cell research have been received; that
advocates of the research - the Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord
injuries, stroke, etc., communities have been silent.
Dr. Varmus has said, according to the Phila. Inquirer Jan. 20, no
federally funded research would be allowed until ethical guidelines were
in place and the issue had been discussed with Congress and the public.
What is the time frame? Is it open ended? We are
only beginning to know the potential of stem cell research. New
developments appear regularly in the media. I suggest that we express
our appreciation and concerns to Sen. Specter, 202-224-4254, and Sen.
Harkin, 202-224-3254 today, that every day's delay means more
deterioration. E-mails are less effective at this point because they
are coming in at the rate of as many as 5,000 a day to each office re
the impeachment hearings.
Thank you.
Dolores Gross
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