This post has been updated

Action Alert from United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries

This week, the Senate has been debating the House-passed Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810).  With passage in the Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Bush, who has pledged to veto the bill.  The legislation authorizes federal funding for research using embryonic stem cells that remain after in vitro fertilization treatments.  Current U.S. law prohibits any use of federal funds for research on new embryonic stem cell lines.

Research using embryonic stem cells has the potential to alleviate the suffering of millions of people with serious illnesses.  Federally funded research holds hope for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and other disorders and illnesses.  Critics of stem cell research tie their opposition to their anti-choice agenda, but this bill only authorizes research funds for already existing embryos, which will otherwise be discarded.  In addition, this bill has received support in the past from Senators who have expressed opposition to abortion, including Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR).

In 2001, the United Church of Christ General Synod adopted a statement in support of federally-funded embryonic stem cell research within National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines.  This statement helps UCC members examine the issue from a theological perspective.  To view this statement click http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/res30.htm

Click http://www.ucctakeaction.org/stemcell to send a message to your Senators and Representative, with a copy to President Bush, in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.

Related Post:  Support For Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is A Christian Position

Update: Today the Senate joined the House and voted to support embryonic stem cell research.  "Scientists have done their part in demonstrating the promise of embryonic stem cell research. The House and Senate have kept that promise by passing the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. We hope that the President will not use the first veto of his presidency to break it," said the Center for American Progress in a statement this afternoon.  The president would serve the country well - and provide hope for millions - if he joined the bi-partisan coalition of pro-life and pro-choice members of Congress that voted for the bill and added his voice to the list of supporters of this important research.