Pro-Stem Cell Research Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Congress

February 17, 2005 – The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (HR 810) was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate yesterday. In the House, Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), introduced their bill along with over 150 cosponsors, while Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the same bill in the Senate along with four bipartisan colleagues, Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). This legislation provides for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research on lines derived after August 9, 2001, and requires strong ethical guidelines on stem cell lines that are eligible for federally-funded research.

The bill states that no federal funds will be used to derive stem cells or destroy early-stage embryos. In addition, it directs the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to support appropriate research on stem cell lines derived from early-stage embryos that also meet the following criteria: originally created for fertility treatment purposes and are in excess of clinical need; would otherwise be discarded; and, the individuals for whom the embryos were created have provided written consent for embryo donation.

The Society encourages its members to participate in an ASH advocacy campaign in support of embryonic stem cell research. Please visit the ASH Advocacy Center and click on the Urge President Bush to Remove Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Campaign.

ASH’s Policy Statement in support of all avenues of stem cell research is available online.

If you have questions, or need more information, please contact Jeff Coughlin, ASH Government Affairs Manager, at (202) 776-0544.