Stem Cell Research

Congress Should OVERRIDE President Bush's Veto of the Latest Stem Cell Bill

On June 20, President Bush vetoed S.5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The bill would allow research using stem cells that meet certain conditions:
--the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment

--the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded

--such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.

Dear Ms. Duning:

Thank you for contacting me to express your views regarding funding for stem cell research. While this issue is certainly divisive, I believe that the benefits of this potentially life-saving research make it crucial to explore as a medical option.

Embryonic stem cells are a unique and important set of cells that retain the ability to become many or all of the different cell types in the body. These cells can be used to help us understand human development and provide replacement cells and tissue to treat many health problems, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Many who oppose research on embryonic stem cells argue that adult stem cells should be pursued instead because they believe the derivation of stem cells from either embryos or aborted fetuses is ethically unacceptable. However, I support the opinion of many scientists who believe adult stem cells should not be the sole target of research because of important scientific and technical limitations. They also believe adult stem cells do not hold the same scientific promise as embryonic stem cells. For this reason, I am a co-sponsor of S.5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.

On April 11, 2007, the full Senate took up and passed S. 5 by a vote of 63 yeas to 34 nays. I voted in favor of this legislation, but the President vetoed it on June 20, 2007. I will, if given the opportunity, vote to override the veto. Thank you again for contacting me.


Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown

Senator Sherrod Brown
Democrat - Ohio
United States Senate