Stem Cell Research: Out in the Sunshine (Sen. Barbara Mikulski)

Stem cell research has the potential to help find cures for some of life’s most devastating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. The Stem Cell Research Act of 2007 (S.5) will remove the restrictions imposed by President Bush that have effectively stopped this research.

This research must be conducted in the sunshine. We need a national framework to establish bioethical standards based on sound science and ethical principles. Without national standards, this research will be conducted outside of the public eye and without national scrutiny. This is where I fear dark and ghoulish things can occur.

Every year we wait to pass this bill, our research falls three years behind. That’s another patient who may have been saved, another family that may not have to watch a loved one suffer. This is not about ideology. It’s not about party. It is about the American people and trying to help save lives everywhere.