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

Historic Stem Cell Legislation Never Sees Light of Day in Senate

Patient groups express disappointment in Senate maneuvers to stonewall bill   

Washington, DC—July 28, 2005—Today, the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic research institutions, expressed its disappointment that legislation to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research was not brought to a vote in the Senate prior to Congressional recess, despite promises from Senate leadership to do so.

The legislation, known in the House of Representatives as H.R. 810, passed 238-194 in the House on May 24.  The bill would allow federally supported scientists to study additional stem cell lines, expand research among America's top academic researchers and accelerate the cure and treatment of diseases that affect over 100 million Americans.  H.R. 810 imposes ethical and legal guidelines on the research even as it expands federally funded research opportunities of additional stem cell lines from voluntarily-donated in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos that will otherwise be discarded.  This morning, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) objected to a motion that H.R. 810 be brought to the floor.

CAMR President Daniel Perry said “We are disappointed that the Senate is leaving for its August recess without addressing this vital issue.  A delay in Senate passage of H.R. 810 is a delay in hope for millions of Americans.  A majority of the American people support stem cell research, a majority of the House supports stem cell research, we are confident a majority of the Senate support stem cell research, and are dismayed they have not yet gotten an opportunity to express that support.”

Kris Gulden, a spinal cord injured former police officer, said “I don’t really understand all the political excuses being put forward, all I know is that like millions of other Americans, I now have to continue to wait for the Senate to take this up.  Waiting another couple months may not seem like a big deal when you’re well, healthy and able-bodied, but when you spend each and every day in a wheelchair dreaming of the day you will walk or move again, every additional day this is dragged out only chips away at your hope.”

“But no delay will stop the momentum of this bill,” noted Perry.  “We will continue to work tirelessly with our advocates and bi-partisan champions to ensure the Senate takes up H.R.  810 and does not hide behind parliamentary maneuvers or decoy bills designed to derail science.  We fully expect, and deserve, a fair vote on this bill in the fall,” added Perry.

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