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Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) stated that he does not presently believe that the current restrictions on funding of embryonic stem cell research should be eased. He did, however, say that the Senate would consider legislation regarding this issue sometime next month, and that it is time to review the current policy.
BACKGROUND
In July, 2001, Senator Frist issued a ten point plan on stem cell research. In that plan, he stated his support for embryonic stem cell research if the stem cells come from IVF embryos that would otherwise be discarded. He also stated that there should be some limits on the number of stem cell lines, but noted that additional, new stem cell lines would need to be created.
On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced that federal funding for embryonic stem cell research would be permitted only for existing stem cells that were in the process of being obtained before August 2001. President Bush's policy was more restrictive than that called for by Senator Frist.
On May 24, the House passed bipartisan legislation, HR 810, to expand the policy to allow research on stem cells that come from in vitro fertilized embryos that are created for reproductive purposes, would otherwise be discarded, and are donated with informed consent by the couple and without financial inducement. HR 810 was approved by a 238 to 194 vote.
S. 471, sponsored by Senators Specter (R-PA), Harkin (D-IA), Hatch (R-UT), Feinstein (D-CA), Smith (R-OR), and Kennedy (D-MA), is the companion to the House-passed bill. It currently has 41 cosponsors and is awaiting action in the Senate.
ACTION NEEDED
Please call Senator Frist's office at 202-224-3344 and tell him the following:
- Explain your concern that Senator Frist's recent remarks have been reported to indicate he opposes an expansion of the stem cell policy.
- State that you hope Sen. Frist will return to the position he announced in 2001 where he stated that he supported stem cell research on new stem cell lines.
- Note that you support S. 471 and urge Sen. Frist to schedule it for a vote and support the bill.
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