For more information contact:

Sean Tipton, w: 202-863-2494, c: 202-421-5112, stipton@asrm-dc.org

Julie Kimbrough, w: 203-438-8211, c: 646-734-6091, juliekimbrough@earthlink.net

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR)

Applauds Wisconsin Governor for Supporting Stem Cell Research

November 4, 2005—Washington, DC—The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), applauded Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle for vetoing a state bill which would have severely threatened the fate of stem cell research.  CAMR, comprised of the nation’s leading patient groups, universities, and scientific societies, has led national efforts to support federal funding of stem cell research and therapeutic cloning.  

“The battle over stem cell research is being fought hard at the state level and Governor Doyle has set an important example by vetoing AB 499,” said Sean Tipton, Vice President of CAMR.  “This state bill would not only have restricted life-saving stem cell research in the state of Wisconsin, it may have prompted leading scientists in the state to pursue their research elsewhere,” he added. 

Several states throughout the nation are considering both pro and anti stem cell and therapeutic cloning legislation. The Wisconsin bill would have banned reproductive cloning, a position which CAMR supports, but would also have banned therapeutic cloning research—an important method to derive stem cells that could be genetically-matched to a patient with a life-threatening disease or condition. 

“By vetoing AB 499, Governor Doyle put patients first and demonstrated his state’s commitment to pursuing promising medical research that could help cure millions.  We applaud the Governor for his efforts and hope other states will follow his lead,” noted Tipton. 

 The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR)—the leading pro-cures coalition—is comprised of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine - including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer - in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering.  For more information on CAMR, visit the website: www.camradvocacy.org