New Stem Cell Action Coalition Launches Campaign Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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.



CONTACT:

Genetics Policy Institute (GPI)
Bernard Siegel, 305-801-4928
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Washington

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Stem Cells  Health  Biotechnology  Genetics  Public Policy/Government  Healthcare Reform  Congressional News/Views  Courts  Public Policy  White House/Federal Government  Philanthropy  Research  Science  Foundation

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