Statement Of Christopher Reeve On President Bush's Decision On Stem Cell Research

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Statement Of Christopher Reeve On President Bush's Decision On Stem Cell Research
To: National Desk
Contact: Maggie Friedman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis
Foundation, 973-379-2690 or 973-445-1921 (cell)
Colleen Dermody of Witeck-Combs Communications,
202-887-0500 ext. 18

WASHINGTON, August 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following is a
statement by Christopher Reeve, chairman of the Christopher
Reeve Paralysis Foundation, on President Bush's decision on stem
cell research:

"President Bush's decision today to allow federal funding for
human embryonic stem cell research on a limited basis is a step
in the right direction. However, this political compromise may
seriously hinder progress toward finding treatments and cures
for a wide variety of diseases and disorders that affect 100
million Americans.

"By allowing scientists access even to 60 existing stem cell
lines, the President is still limiting the pace and
effectiveness of federally supported research. Scientists may
need to use an unknown number of cell lines and should not be
restricted to those that presently exist.

"Recent polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans
support research within the guidelines of the National
Institutes of Health adopted during the Clinton Administration.
Few issues enjoy broader bipartisan support in Congress. The
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation supports President Bush's
appointment of an advisory council on stem cell research and
welcomes the opportunity to serve on such a council.

"Because of the President's decision, it may now be up to
Congress to enact legislation that will enable scientists to
fully explore the potential of human embryonic stem cell
research."

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Christopher Reeve is the Chairman of the Christopher Reeve
Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). CRPF is a national non-profit
organization that encourages and supports research to develop
effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal
cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The
Foundation also allocates a portion of its resources to grants
that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.


KEYWORDS:

HEALTH, SCIENCE, GOVERNMENT, POLICY

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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/
08/09 23:16

Copyright 2001, U.S. Newswire