Coalition Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research

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Friday, 19 November 2010 17:44

Washington, D.C., November 2010 — The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) recently announced the launch of a new advocacy coalition of 30 organizations to foster public awareness and advance the cause of embryonic stem cell research in the United States. www.stemcellaction.org The Stem Cell Action campaign will unify stem cell advocates in 50 states in a campaign directed at educating their fellow citizens on the promise of embryonic stem cell research to alleviate human suffering from chronic medical conditions. “In light of the recent and ongoing court challenge in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius and the election of politicians vowing to eliminate funding or ban embryonic stem cell research, the large grassroots majority of Americans who support stem cells can no longer remain silent,” said Bernard Siegel, executive director of GPI. “It is high time for this issue to be treated as a national priority. We are well aware that foes of stem cell research will do absolutely everything in their power in court and through legislation to cripple stem cell research. The Stem Cell Action coalition will challenge them at every level. We will not let them crush hope,” Siegel added. As its first action, the group has launched a public awareness web site at www.stemcellaction.org. The site calls upon the public to contact public officials to support legislation to protect and fund federal research. The site will be expanded to confront the problems raised by the Dickey –Wicker Amendment (a federal law that restricts funding for derivations of cell lines) and forthcoming battles in statehouses around the country. The initial members of the coalition include the following organizations: Act to Cure; Addi & Cassi Fund; The Adam Susser Foundation; Alliance for Aging Research; Alpha -1 Foundation; ALS Worldwide; Americans for Cures Foundation; The Baby Alex Foundation; Brooke Ellison Project; California Hepatitis C Task Force; Californians for Cures; CNS Foundation; Cure Michigan; Determined 2 Heal; Genetics Policy Institute; Heumannly Capable; Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures; National Hepatitis C Task Force; Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Roman Reed Foundation; Sabina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research; Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation; Shake-a-Leg Foundation; South Dakotans for Stem Cell research and Cures; Stand Among Friends; Student Society for Stem Cell Research; Texans for Advancement of Medical Research; Unite 2 Fight Paralysis; Wisconsin Stem Cell Now. The Genetics Policy Institute supports stem cell research to develop therapeutics and cures. It pursues its mission through producing the annual World Stem Cell Summit, publishing the World Stem Cell Report, honoring leadership through its annual Stem Cell Action Awards, organizing educational and public awareness initiatives, and fostering strategic collaborations. Most recently, GPI filed a “friend of court” brief in the Sherley v. Sebelius supporting continued federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. To join the coalition, learn more or donate to the cause, please visit www.stemcellaction.org or call toll-free 888-238-1423. SOURCE: The Genetics Policy Institute (Visual courtesy skepticalteacher.wordpress.com) < Prev   Next >