New Stem Cell Legislation for 2007

In 2006 President Bush vetoed stem-cell funding legislation that carried strong bi-partisan support. Today the House is expected to vote on another bill, which will proceed an expected Senate bill. This legislation comes as news broke of a possible alternate source of stem cells, amniotic fluid, which some believe can be a substitute for the more controversial embryonic stem cells.

In a press conference I caught the other night on C-SPAN, proponents made clear that amniotic fluid sources are suggested as supplement sources not a replacement source. The writer of the paper exploring this alternative makes that clear as well:

"I understand that some may be interpreting my research as a substitute for the need to pursue other forms of regenerative medicine therapies, such as those involving embryonic stem cells," Anthony Atala of Wake Forest University School of Medicine wrote in a letter to DeGette and co-sponsor Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.). "I disagree with that assertion. . . . It is essential that National Institute[s] of Health-funded researchers are able to fully pursue embryonic stem cell research."
What I think is important to note is the bi-partisan nature of this legislation. From the House the legislation is being co-sponsored by Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Mike Castle (R-DE). In the Senate the effort is being led by Tom Harkin (D-IA), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Arlin Specter (R-PA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). I think that this last name is most important. Orrin Hatch is a Mormon and a leader among conservative Republicans. But here in this case he is going against his President.

I do believe that ethical issues need to be dealt with in any scientific process, but if Orrin Hatch thinks it's imperative we pursue this research, that's a pretty good recommendation. I realize some will balk, as the Roman Catholic Church officially opposes embryonic stem cell research. But this is really a life and death issue -- in fact it's a pro-life issue. How many of us know or are related to someone with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, just two of the myriad of diseases and injuries that can possibly be cured by stem cell related therapy. We are also in danger of losing some of our best scientists overseas, for in Europe and Asia, the research is going full steam ahead. Although there is private and state funded support, it's federal support that is the clincher.

May Congress either get a clean veto proof bill, or may George Bush lay aside his objections and sign this time. As the proponents made clear, they'll keep bringing bills to the President until legislation is passed into law. Wouldn't it be nice if we stopped losing time in this effort!

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