Office of Nancy Reagan

Dear Orrin,

As you may know, Ronnie will observe his ninety second birthday soon. In earlier times, we would have been able to celebrate that day with great joy and wonderful memories of our life together. Now, while I can draw strength from these memories, I do it alone, as Ronnie struggles in a world unknown to me or the scientists who devote their lives to Alzheimer's research. Because of this, I am determined to do what I can to save other families from this pain.

I'm writing, therefore, to offer my support for stem cell research and to tell you I'm in favor of new legislation to allow the ethical use of therapeutic cloning. Like you, I support a complete ban on reproductive cloning. However, I believe that embryonic stem cell research, under appropriate guidelines, may provide our scientists with many answers that are now beyond our grasp.

Orrin, there are so many diseases than can be cured, or at least helped, that we can't turn our back on this. We've lost so much time already. I can't bear to lose any more.

Sincerely,
Nancy

The Honorable Orrin Hatch
United States Senate
104 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510