Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

For more information contact:

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

Sarah Youngerman, w. 651-485-7171, syounger@umn.edu 
 

Statement of Daniel Perry, President,

on Senate Passage of Cord Blood Bill

Washington, DC—December 17, 2005—The Senate passed and sent to President Bush H.R. 2520 The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act on Friday, November 16, 2005. The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research urged the Senate to pass H.R. 810 immediately upon their return in January 2006.

“While CAMR supports all forms of stem cell research, including stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, the umbilical cord blood bill cannot be held up as a substitute for passage of HR 810 which would allow the NIH to fund embryonic stem cell research.

“Earlier this year, the House passed the umbilical cord blood bill on the same day that they debated and passed the Castle/DeGette bill on embryonic stem cell research. Unfortunately the Senate was not able to find time to take on the politically more difficult, but scientifically more promising, issue of embryonic stem cell research.  We are disappointed that the members of the Senate have been denied the opportunity to provide all their constituents and all patients the hope they are due by fully supporting the field of stem cell research.

 “Make no mistake, millions of Americans suffering from conditions from diabetes to spinal cord injury, and heart disease to Parkinson’s will not be fooled by politicians who claim to support stem cell research, but do not support the most promising form of stem cell research.

“The scientific data is clear – embryonic stem cells have a special ability to become every other kind of cell. Adult stem cells, including umbilical cord stem cells are not thought to share this special trait.

“We urge the Senate to take up H.R. 810 immediately upon their return to Washington in January.”

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.