Deutsch Stem Cell Petition Reaches Over 1,000 Signatures

Congressman Peter Deutsch (FL-20), Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, began an online petition to send to President George W. Bush that urges the administration to support the, "Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act". The legislation introduced by Congressman Deutsch would allow for the federal government to fund research on stem cell lines left over from the in vitro fertilization process, and only then with the express consent of the donor. At the same time, the bill also ensures the completeness of the lines through a new focus on diversity. Finally, the bill creates an office within the NIH to be called the Ronald Reagan Office of Human Stem Cell Research" to oversee all research on the subject.The petition has reached 1,222 signatures from the online community supporting this effort and continues to grow apace.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (PRWEB) August 21, 2004 -- Congressman Peter Deutsch (FL-20), Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, began an online petition to send to President George W. Bush that urges the administration to support the, "Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act". The legislation introduced by Congressman Deutsch would allow for the federal government to fund research on stem cell lines left over from the in vitro fertilization process, and only then with the express consent of the donor. At the same time, the bill also ensures the completeness of the lines through a new focus on diversity. Finally, the bill creates an office within the NIH to be called the Ronald Reagan Office of Human Stem Cell Research" to oversee all research on the subject. The petition has reached 1,222 signatures from the online community supporting this effort and continues to grow apace.

According to Deutsch, each year thousands of Americans wait for cures from debilitating and potentially lethal afflictions such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and paralysis. American scientists are the finest in the world, but need assistance with federal funding for stem cell research.

We are at the threshold of great discovery, and it is time that our nation became the leader in scientific innovation again," said Deutsch. This bill has the potential to profoundly improve the lives of millions of Americans, and save the lives of millions more. It is a comprehensive solution to the stem cell question, addressing how we acquire stem cell lines, what types of lines we use, and how we can make the research accessible to the scientific community going forward. The time is right for change in U.S. stem cell policy"

Stem cell research has had broad, bipartisan support across the country - no less than Senator Orrin Hatch and former First Lady Nancy Reagan have spoken in favor of it.

As the stem cell petition continue to grow, it will be sent to the President on September 1st to show the growing support for stem cell research. Congressman Deutsch continues to actively seek support for this effort, additionally he has planned a series of events to help raise awareness of this issue. The stem cell petition can be found at http://www.peterforflorida.com/petition/stemcell.shtml

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