AAMC Urges Administration to Expand
Stem Cell Policy
June 25, 2004 - The AAMC joined with 141 national patient
groups, universities, and scientific societies in a letter
calling on President Bush to expand the Administration's policy
for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. The letter,
which was initiated by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical
Research (CAMR), was released at a June 23 press conference on Capitol
Hill. The letter reiterates the recent bipartisan letters from the
House and Senate urging the Administration to modify its policy,
which limits federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells
to those cells derived prior the Aug. 9, 2001, date when the policy
was announced [see Washington Highlights,
April 30 and June 11.]
Reps. Michael Castle (R-Del.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), leaders
of the House letter, unveiled new legislation to direct the Secretary
of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Director of
the National Institutes of Health to fund research on embryonic
stem cell lines derived after Aug. 9, 2001. Under the Stem Cell
Research Enhancement Act, only stem cells revived from excess embryos
created for fertility treatment purposes would be eligible for federal
funding. No federal funds would be used to derive stem cells or
to conduct research on cell lines that do not meet the federal standards
for derivation. CAMR has endorsed the legislation.
Information:
Dave Moore, Senior Director
AAMC Government Relations
dbmoore@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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