ADA urges House to fund stem cell research
January 10, 2007 by admin
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
The American Diabetes Association today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 3), which would ease the existing restrictions on the number of human embryonic stem cell lines available for use in federally-funded research while maintaining strict ethical guidelines. The legislation was passed by Congress last year with support from both parties, but was the subject of President George W. Bush’s one and only veto of his administration.
A vote on the reintroduced legislation in expected to take place in the House on Thursday.
“The most respected scientists across the nation are poised to make significant advances toward a cure and better treatments for diabetes, but are being severely restricted by current standards,” said ADA Chair Darlene Cain. “For the nearly 21 million children and adults with diabetes in the United States who are waiting for a cure, this is unacceptable. The American Diabetes Association remains committed to finding a cure for diabetes, and we support the exploration of every ethical avenue of research that will help us achieve that goal.”
Cain and the ADA also urged the president to reconsider his position regarding stem cell research and the bill.
“The American people want to see this bill passed,” Cain said. “There is tremendous concern among people with diabetes, and those living with other chronic diseases, that blocking this bill will set back years of progress and devastate the hope of millions. It is the President’s responsibility to listen to those concerns and work with Congress to ensure an outcome which is right for the entire nation.”
Yeah. Good luck with that.
(via PR Newswire)
