ACTION ALERT
Urge Senate to support increase in number of stem cell lines eligible for federally-funded research
Apr. 11 update: We won! But not by a veto-proof margin. The Senate vote was 63 to 34. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) missed the vote, but later put on record that she would have voted in favor of the legislation.
Apr. 9, 2007 - The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5) will expand stem cell research by increasing the number of stem cell lines eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The stem cells in question are generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics.
The House passed a similar bill on January 11, 2007 (H.R. 3, vote: 253-174). Current policy allows federal funds to be used for research only on those stem cell lines that existed when President Bush issued an executive order on August 9, 2001.
The Senate is expected to act on this bill this week. For more background on stem cells see our position paper.
Take a stand: Contact both your Senators and urge them to vote for S. 5 and expand stem cell research. You can contact each Senator through her/his Web site. To see how your Senators voted on this issue in 2006 see our scorecard (RC 206).
Below you will find a sample letter. Please feel free to adapt it to your voice and provide additional information of importance to you:
Dear Senator _____,
I urge you to vote in favor of expanding stem cell research (S. 5). For far too long, possible medical advances have been delayed by objections based on narrow religious beliefs. As a nontheistic American, I am appalled that these theological concepts are barring scientific advancements. Stand up for both the separation of church and state and for an end to the suffering of so many Americans by casting your vote for S. 5.
Sincerely,
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