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Urge President Bush to Remove Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Welcome to the ASH Grassroots Network and the ASH Advocacy Center! With President Bush preparing his second term agenda, ASH wants its Grassroots Network to encourage the President to remove the current restrictions that the Administration has placed on embryonic stem cell research. Now is the time to contact President Bush and your other elected officials in Congress to urge support for federal embryonic stem cell research. Although the President pledged during the campaign to keep his stem cell policy in place, the Society believes that embryonic stem cell supporters should take this opportunity to demonstrate the hematology community’s support for expanding the number of lines eligible for federal research funding. Please help ASH’s advocacy efforts by sending this letter to President Bush. In addition, our system will automatically send a copy of your letter to your Senators and Representative. The Society understands that stem cell research supporters in Congress will re-introduce several bills favorable to embryonic stem cells when the new Congress convenes in January 2005. By sending your letter right now, you are helping to emphasize your interest in this issue and promote the interests of patients that could potentially benefit from stem cell research advances. Please direct any questions to ASH Government Affairs Manager Jeff Coughlin at (202) 776-0544 or at jcoughlin@hematology.org.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , As a hematologist, I am interested in expanding the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research to allow scientists to explore the full promise of this field. From a purely scientific perspective, with more human embryonic stem cell lines available for federal funding, there will be new opportunities for scientific advancement that will potentially benefit patients. Embryonic stem cell research could make a major difference in the fight against many blood and blood-related diseases, in addition to other serious conditions. Over 3 years after the current federal policy was implemented, there are only 22 embryonic stem cell lines available for federal funding. Research in this area has slowed to a pace that is unacceptable. The current federal embryonic stem cell research policy needs to expand to help researchers find a cure for over 100 million Americans who suffer from many deadly and debilitating diseases. Mr. President, now is the time to update the current policy. I urge you to remove the current restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research. I recognize your support of medical research and your desire to help the millions of Americans suffering from disease. I urge you today to continue this commitment by expanding the scope of the current federal policy on human embryonic stem cell research. I would be happy to answer any questions or provide you with more information about embryonic stem cell research. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
On August 9, 2001, the Bush Administration announced a policy to permit limited funding of embryonic stem cell research, by allowing federal funds to only be used for research on embryonic stem cell lines derived prior to the date of the President’s announcement. At the time, several scientists advised President Bush that there were about 60 viable cell lines in existence and they would be sufficient for investigators to advance the embryonic stem cell field. However, in 2004, there are only 22 embryonic stem cell lines that are available to researchers. The President’s policy has proven too limiting, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) now admits that expanding this policy will help speed embryonic stem cell research initiatives.
In 2004, ASH again took an active role in advocating on behalf of all avenues of stem cell research, especially embryonic cell lines. The Society was integrally involved in many efforts in Washington, DC, to try to expand President Bush’s policy on expanding the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federal research funding. ASH was also one of the first medical societies to support Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research & Cures Initiative. The Society’s policy statement in support of all avenues of stem cell research is available online.
In Congress this year, there were several efforts to urge the President to expand his policy. On April 28, 206 members of the House signed a letter supporting relaxed restrictions on stem cell research. A group of 57 Senators followed up with a similar letter on June 4.
Moreover, Representatives Michael Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), introduced the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004 (HR 4682) on June 24, 2004. The bill states that no federal funds will be used to derive stem cells or destroy early-stage embryos. In addition, it allows research on embryonic stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001, and directs the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to support appropriate research on stem cell lines derived from early-stage embryos that also meet certain criteria. Representatives Castle and DeGette were able to enroll 190 cosponsors for this bill.
With President Bush winning re-election, stem cell research advocates will have to redouble their efforts because the President pledged during the campaign to maintain his policy. In addition, the Society expects to have to educate the new Congress about the benefits of embryonic stem cells.
ASH anticipates that Representatives Castle and DeGette will reintroduce their bill when Congress begins in January 2005. The Society plans to continue to support the development of the field of stem cell research and pledges its enduring commitment to move stem cell science forward to help patients.
Thank you for your interest and support.
