Testimonials
There are camps for adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells, but these camps only exist in the political arena. There is no disagreement among scientists over the need to aggressively pursue both in order to solve important medical problems.”
- Dr. Douglas Melton, Co-Director, Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Adult stem cells are clearly good enough for certain purposes and yet limited in some ways. Embryonic stem cells...will be necessary to do everything we want in tissue repair, even replacement of an organ.”
- Dr. James Willerson, President, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Stem cell research, including embryonic forms, is of great importance and will produce and provide the knowledge that will be useful to society and hopefully will cure a whole array of diseases for which we have no cures at the present time.”
- Dr. Michael DeBakey, addressing the Stem Cell Policy and Advocacy Summit hosted by Baylor College of Medicine and Genetics Policy Institute
The concern of many opponents of the research has been that stem cells derived from human embryos would potentially destroy life. The fact is that the only human embryos that are used as a basis for stem cell research are those that would otherwise be discarded from in vitro fertilization clinics. This is not a matter of using a human embryo that has the potential to produce life. Rather, these otherwise discarded embryos have the potential to save lives.”
- Senator Arlen Specter, (R-PA)
Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with answers that have so long been beyond our grasp. I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this - there are just so many diseases that can be cured, or at least helped. We have lost so much time already, and I just really can't bear to lose any more.”
- Former First Lady Nancy Reagan
I can’t think of a greater affirmation of the culture of life than to advance the fight against disease by increasing federal funding for biomedical research. Equally crucial is to remove undue restrictions on important paths forward, including embryonic stem cell research. America is about optimism, about promise, about always moving forward. The idea of rejecting one of the most promising areas of research is shortsighted. We have no way of knowing where the next breakthrough will emerge.”
- Michael J. Fox, Founder, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
We all want to see the promise of this research realized and delivered sooner rather than later. So now is the time for all of us - Congress, scientists, organizations like JDRF, and patients to join hands with the Administration to update the policy, to better reflect what we know about the promise and realities of stem cell science.”
- Mary Tyler Moore, International Chairman, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
I support stem cell research. I think it is very, very important that the whole nation pulls together on a federal and a state level.”
- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
