(2005-07-17)
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) delivered its position statement on embryonic stem-cell research to all members of the U.S. Senate today to demonstrate its support for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (S.471), which passed the House earlier this year. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has said the Senate will likely take action on the legislation in mid-July.
S.471 and its companion bill H.R. 810 would expand the funding scope of the National Institutes of Health to include support for stem-cell research involving embryos no longer intended for use in fertility treatments. Last year the AAN approved a position statement that makes the case for passage of ethically responsible pro-research legislation. The position statement was published in the May 24, 2005 issue of Neurology.
"We believe this bill would significantly advance embryonic stem-cell research while ensuring the strongest ethical safeguards possible," said Thomas R. Swift, MD, president of the AAN. "Given that the President's Council on Bioethics called for both adult and embryonic stem-cell research back in 2002, we believe it is time to pass this legislation. It will give American researchers a much better chance to better understand and hopefully treat neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease."
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of nearly 19,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, its advocacy efforts, and position statements, visit http://www.aan.com/advocacy.
American Academy of Neurology
http://www.aan.com/press