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AAMC Applauds Congressional Support for Expanded Stem Cell Funding

For Immediate Release

Press Release

Contact: Retha Sherrod
202-828-0975
rsherrod@aamc.org

Washington, D.C., April 28, 2004 - Jordan J. Cohen, M.D., president of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), issued the following statement today hailing the more than 200 Congressional members who urged President Bush to revise restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research:

"This strong showing of bipartisan support is a gratifying and clear indication that Congress realizes how important these research tools are to medical progress.

Stem cell research is one of the most remarkable advances in the history of medical science. These cells offer real hope of life-affirming treatments for diabetes, damaged heart tissue, arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS and spinal cord injuries, to name but a few examples. Ultimately, they could even be used to create complex, vital organs, such as kidneys, livers, or even hearts.

The AAMC recognizes the significant ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research and we respect the view of those who oppose such research, including some in our own medical school community. We believe, however, that it would be tragic to waste the unique potential of embryonic stem cells to alleviate human suffering.

We hope President Bush will heed the call of this broad group of legislators and make NIH funding available, so that Americans can benefit from the great promise of stem cell research."

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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 129 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and 94 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 109,000 faculty members, 67,000 medical students, and 104,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.