Coalition Launches Campaign Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research

New Stem Cell Action Coalition Launches Campaign Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research
November 11, 2010 07:49 AM Eastern Time


WASHINGTON--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) today announced the launch of a new advocacy coalition of 30 organizations to foster public awareness and advance the cause of embryonic stem cell research in the United States.


The Stem Cell Action campaign will unify stem cell advocates in 50 states in a campaign directed at educating their fellow citizens on the promise of embryonic stem cell research to alleviate human suffering from chronic medical conditions.

“In light of the recent and ongoing court challenge in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius and the election of politicians vowing to eliminate funding or ban embryonic stem cell research, the large grassroots majority of Americans who support stem cells can no longer remain silent,” said Bernard Siegel, executive director of GPI.

“It is high time for this issue to be treated as a national priority. We are well aware that foes of stem cell research will do absolutely everything in their power in court and through legislation to cripple stem cell research. The Stem Cell Action coalition will challenge them at every level. We will not let them crush hope,” Siegel said.

As its first action, the group has launched a public awareness web site at www.stemcellaction.org. The site calls upon the public to contact public officials to support legislation to protect and fund federal research. The site will be expanded to confront the problems raised by the Dickey –Wicker Amendment (a federal law that restricts funding for derivations of cell lines) and forthcoming battles in statehouses around the country.

The initial members of the coalition include the following organizations
Act to Cure
Addi & Cassi Fund
The Adam Susser Foundation
Alliance for Aging Research
Alpha -1 Foundation
ALS Worldwide
Americans for Cures Foundation
The Baby Alex Foundation
Brooke Ellison Project
California Hepatitis C Task Force
Californians for Cures
CNS Foundation
Cure Michigan
Determined 2 Heal
Genetics Policy Institute
Heumannly Capable
Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures
National Hepatitis C Task Force
Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
Neural Stem Cell Institute
Roman Reed Foundation
Sabina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
Shake-a-Leg Foundation
South Dakotans for Stem Cell research and Cures
Stand Among Friends
Student Society for Stem Cell Research
Texans for Advancement of Medical Research
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
Wisconsin Stem Cell Now


To join the coalition, learn more or donate to the cause, please visit www.stemcellaction.org or call toll-free 888-238-1423.
About the Genetics Policy Institute: GPI supports stem cell research to develop therapeutics and cures. It pursues its mission through producing the annual World Stem Cell Summit, publishing the World Stem Cell Report, honoring leadership through its annual Stem Cell Action Awards, organizing educational and public awareness initiatives, and fostering strategic collaborations. Most recently, GPI filed a “friend of court” brief in the Sherley v. Sebelius supporting continued federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
Contacts
Genetics Policy Institute (GPI)Bernard Siegel, 305-801-4928bernard@genpol.org
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