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1.: The Stem Cell Action Network endorses NJ Stem Cell Research Referend From: Stephen Meyer

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1.: The Stem Cell Action Network endorses NJ Stem Cell Research Referend

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net stephen_meyer_stemcells

Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:02 pm (PST)

The Stem Cell Action Network endorses NJ Stem Cell Research Referendum
The Stem Cell Action Network endorses New Jersey's Stem Cell Research
Referendum, which will be on the state ballot in November 2007. This
measure, like measures supporting the research in other states, offers
hope for effective therapies to millions of Americans suffering from
severe illnesses. The research funded by this measure will include
embryonic stem cell research, the most promising basis for developing
new remedies and cures. Because the current federal administration bans
federal funding for this kind of research, it is all the more important
that states provide resources to fill the vacuum. As Faye Armitage
points out: "the general consensus among researchers is that embryonic
stem cells ... hold the greatest promise to derive treatments that can
alleviate the suffering from spinal cord injury and a host of other
debilitating and deadly medical conditions." We are aware that stem
cell research funding in New Jersey has, in the past, gone largely to
adult stem cell research, and we are concerned that human embryonic stem
cell research may in the future be underfunded by the referendum
currently under consideration. It's important that that not happen. NJ
Senator Ellen Karcher has pointed out in a letter to the state's
governor that "If New Jersey wants to become a leader in stem cell
research, it must also be a leader in promoting embryonic stem cell
research." We in SCAN agree with that sentiment. Funding agencies can
only subsidize, of course, those research proposals that are submitted
to them, and among these there may be relatively few that propose to use
embryonic stem cells. However, funders can and should actively
encourage the submission of research projects that work with human
embryonic stem cells, thereby widening the range of projects that might
qualify for support. Nothing said above, however, diminishes our
support for the New Jersey referendum. We patient advocates deeply
respect and appreciate this effort to make New Jersey a leader in the
search for stem cell treatments that will alleviate so much suffering
and save so many lives. SCAN is a nationwide organization. We ask that
all of our members and friends across the country do whatever they can
to help pass the NJ measure. To begin with, please telephone everyone
you know in New Jersey and ask them to vote in favor! Thank you,
Raymond Barglow, Board of Directors, SCAN Steve Meyer, Board of
Directors, SCAN

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