Embryonic Stem Cell Research Most Promising

Press Release

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH MOST PROMISING

DeGette Responds to NIH's Implementation of Bush's Executive Order

WASHINGTON, DC - Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO), the architect of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, today issued the following statement as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it will begin implementing President George W. Bush's Executive Order to explore methods to expand the number of approved pluripotent stem cell lines.

"President Bush can try to muddy the waters about stem cell research, but the fact remains that his Executive Order is not a substitute for the promise of embryonic stem cell research. While my colleagues and I support all forms of ethical stem cell research, the consensus among the scientific community is that embryonic stem cell research holds the greatest potential. The methods outlined in the President's Executive Order are not nearly advanced as embryonic stem cell research.

"A broad, bipartisan Majority of Congress twice passed stem cell research legislation to fund embryonic stem cell research because of its potential to unlock doors to treatments and cures for numerous diseases and conditions. Unfortunately, the President vetoed it twice.

"Despite the overwhelming support among both the American people and Congress, the President continues to put politics above science at the risk of millions of patients and their families."

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