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As early as the week of July 11, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a bill authorizing use of federal funds to encourage the destruction of live human embryos for stem cell research. From July 2 to July 10 the Senate is scheduled to be in recess. This time is an excellent opportunity for pro-life leaders to schedule meetings with Senators in their state offices. Destroying human embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells is both immoral and unnecessary. Stem cells from adult tissues, umbilical cord blood, and other morally acceptable sources are already producing treatments for diseases. Embryonic stem cells have yet to benefit any human patient. See: www.stemcellresearch.org. Please note the "New Resources" section. For other resources online also see: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/stemcell/index.htm. Administration Policy: President Bush’s policy limits federal funding of embryonic stem cell research to stem cells already derived from embryos as of August 9, 2001. House Action: On May 24, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 238-194 to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810). That measure would rescind Administration policy so that new embryos, initially created for reproduction, can be killed for federally funded stem cell research if their parents give consent. President Bush has stated that if H.R. 810 reached his desk, he would veto it. See: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sap/109-1/hr810sap-h.pdf. House support for H.R. 810 fell well short of the two-thirds vote needed to override a veto. Senate Bill: A bill identical to H.R. 810 has been introduced in the Senate. On February 28, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) introduced S. 471. Supporters of destructive embryo research are continuing to wage a skillful and well-funded legislative campaign. It is extremely important that Senators with pro-life and mixed voting records be urged to vote against S. 471. The measure has 40 cosponsors. Please check for your Senators at: thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SN00471:@@@P. ACTION: In addition to local meetings during the Independence Day recess (see above), all pro-life constituents should contact their two Senators by FAX letter, e-mail, and phone. Activate phone trees. Call the U. S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Senators’ local offices. For access to full contact information, see: nchla.org/contcong.asp. Also, through NCHLA’s Action Center, a person can send an e-mail directly to their Senators at: nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=233. MESSAGE: "Please vote 'no' on S. 471. Destroying human embryos for research purposes is immoral and unnecessary. Please support stem cell research that does not harm or destroy human life at any stage." WHEN: During the week of July 11, the Senate may vote on S. 471. Please act now! Thanks! 6/29/05
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