The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is organizing a national call-in day on Tuesday, August 9 to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the President’s policy announcement on embryonic stem cell research. CAMR will urge its advocates across the country to call the White House to urge the President to sign H.R. 810 when it reaches his desk.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Senator Frist Announces His Support For H.R. 810!
On July 29, in a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Bill Frist announced his full support for H.R. 810. Even though H.R. 810 was not brought to a vote in the Senate before the August recess, Senator Frist’s decision is a huge step forward in securing its passage. To be sure, though, significant work still remains to ensure that H.R. 810 is brought to the Senate floor for a vote when the chamber returns after Labor Day.
Bill to Ban Therapeutic Cloning to Be Considered with H.R. 810
The Senate plans to consider a number of stem cell bills when H.R. 810 is brought up for a vote. One bill that could slow progress on stem cell research is S. 658, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act introduced by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).
This bill would ban human reproductive cloning, which should be banned, but it would also ban somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT- often called “therapeutic cloning”) which provides researchers with another means to create stem cell lines.
When scientists use SCNT to create stem cells, no sperm is used and the resulting cell has no chance of developing into a human being because it is never placed in a uterus. Scientists believe SCNT offers great therapeutic and research potential.
What you can do:
It is vitally important to capitalize on our momentum on H.R. 810, and for the Senators to hear from their constituents while they are home during the month of August.
Please use this opportunity to personally ask your Senators Support HR 810 and Not allow any legislation to pass that would slow stem cell research.
- Write a letter to your Senators at their district office and urge them to vote in favor of H.R. 810 but not support any legislation that would slow stem cell research.
- Call your Senators at their district office, even if you called them on this issue already, and urge them to vote in favor of H.R. 810 and to oppose S. 658.
- For Wisconsin people, our senators are Herb Kohl (608) 264-5338 and Russ Feingold (414) 276-7282
- Arrange a meeting with your Senators at their district office. Call the phone number noted above and arrange a meeting at the district office closest to your home.
Key Talking Points:
As a constituent, I strongly urge Senator ___________ to support a vote on H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, with no amendments.
This bill passed the U.S. House in May, and would expand the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research to allow for federal funding on stem cell lines that meet clear ethical guidelines, which is needed for scientists to explore the full promise of this research.
I also ask that Senator__________ oppose any legislation that would slow down stem cell research, such as S. 658, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act. This act would ban human reproductive cloning, which I believe should be banned, but it would also ban therapeutic cloning which provides another means for researchers to get stem cells to study.
<Explain your personal connection stem cell research.>
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and better <your disease, injury, etc.>
I strongly urge Senator ____________ to support H.R. 810 but oppose S. 658 to move this important field of research forward.
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