Statement by Bernard Siegel, Executive Director, Genetics Policy Institute:
Lifting the funding restrictions by presidential executive order is an inadequate remedy to fully realize the potential of embryonic stem cell research targeting cures. Barack Obama is correct in wanting Congress to act on this matter. Congress should do so without delay, by enacting comprehensive legislation safeguarding embryonic stem cell research and repealing the existing legislative funding roadblock.
Since 2001, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provided roughly $300 million for research on the few embryonic stem cell lines approved by the Bush Administration. That is a miniscule sum when compared to the annual NIH budget of $28 billion and insufficient to get the job done. Embryonic stem cell research holds the promise of treating afflictions using cell therapies and serving as a tool for amazing drug discoveries. It will illuminate the root causes of many diseases. Millions of adults and children suffering from chronic and debilitating medical conditions continue to be penalized because of the current arbitrary funding restrictions.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, a piece of legislation twice vetoed by President Bush, would allow NIH funding on more recently derived stem cell lines.
However, that legislation does not repeal the actual rate limiting restriction, the so-called Dickey-Wicker Amendment, a perennial appropriations rider to the NIH budget. Dickey-Wicker precludes using federal money for the creation or destruction of human embryos for research purposes.
While Dickey-Wicker remains the law, it serves as a blockade for funding research on work on embryos discarded from in vitro fertilization procedures to derive new cell lines or somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Since 1995, each time the Dickey-Wicker rider comes before Congress, it is enacted without debate. It was the law before the discovery of human embryonic stem cells in 1998. It is a throwback to the roiling abortion debate in America. Lawmakers should reframe the underlying policy and enact laws to fully promote ethically sound embryonic stem cell research.
In this new era of change in Washington, it is imperative that we have open and direct policymaking. It will take courage and farsightedness by Congressional stem cell proponents to do away with this pernicious restriction on potentially lifesaving research.
Eight years of unreasonable restrictions is enough. It is time for Congress to take full cognizance of the consequences of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment and take immediate action. It is time for all stem cell advocates to call for the repeal of Dickey-Wicker. What are we waiting for?
About GPI: The Genetics Policy Institute “GPI” is a leading promoter and defender of stem cell research and other cutting edge medical research targeting cures. Through GPI’s action network, world report, flagship conference, special projects, speaking engagements, world renowned advisory boards, educational resources, teaching initiatives and strategic relationships, GPI serves as the foremost channel of knowledge between world leading stem cell experts, patient advocates and those who make policy for the general public. Please visit www.genpol.org or call 888-238-1423 for more information.
Contacts:
Genetics Policy Institute
Bernard Siegel, 305-801-4928
bernard@genpol.org
