Jeanne Shaheen calls for new direction in stem cell research
Monday August 11, 2008
Monday August 11, 2008
(Manchester, NH) —Today, former Governor and current candidate for U.S. Senate Jeanne Shaheen met with New Hampshire families at Manchester's SEE Science Center to discuss the importance of expanding stem cell research. At the roundtable, Shaheen met with families and children who are affected by Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's Disease and Lou Gherig's Disease—conditions that are widely-regarded to be either cured or more effectively treated as a result of expanded stem cell research.
"I believe that families in New Hampshire have the right to the best medical research," Shaheen said. "I think we need a new direction in stem cell policy in Washington. I think that researchers should be permitted and encouraged to pursue both embryonic and adult stem cell research, with ethical oversight from the National Institutes of Health.
"These lines of research could hold the key to cures for diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries – they could impact the lives of families like ours all across the country. We have already lost seven years in the development of potential treatments and cures – we can't afford to lose any more time. But we're not going to see a change in stem cell research policy until we change Senators. This November, we have the chance to take our country in a new direction and it starts right here in New Hampshire.
"We need leaders who will put scientific advancement ahead of ideology."
Today there are fewer than two dozen stem cell lines available for federally-funded research; those available are aging and contaminated, and there are not enough to offer genetic diversity. As a result, progress and potential treatments have been delayed. In 2007, John Sununu was the only New England Senator to vote against lifting George Bush's ban on stem cell research funding.
Shaheen, whose granddaughter, Elle, has diabetes, agrees with the more than 80 Nobel Laureates and more than 500 medical and patient advocacy organizations who support embryonic stem cell research.
For more information, visit www.JeanneShaheen.org
"I believe that families in New Hampshire have the right to the best medical research," Shaheen said. "I think we need a new direction in stem cell policy in Washington. I think that researchers should be permitted and encouraged to pursue both embryonic and adult stem cell research, with ethical oversight from the National Institutes of Health.
"These lines of research could hold the key to cures for diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries – they could impact the lives of families like ours all across the country. We have already lost seven years in the development of potential treatments and cures – we can't afford to lose any more time. But we're not going to see a change in stem cell research policy until we change Senators. This November, we have the chance to take our country in a new direction and it starts right here in New Hampshire.
"We need leaders who will put scientific advancement ahead of ideology."
Today there are fewer than two dozen stem cell lines available for federally-funded research; those available are aging and contaminated, and there are not enough to offer genetic diversity. As a result, progress and potential treatments have been delayed. In 2007, John Sununu was the only New England Senator to vote against lifting George Bush's ban on stem cell research funding.
Shaheen, whose granddaughter, Elle, has diabetes, agrees with the more than 80 Nobel Laureates and more than 500 medical and patient advocacy organizations who support embryonic stem cell research.
For more information, visit www.JeanneShaheen.org
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