Fidelis Action Alert - Destruction of Human Embryos

Last night, I received the following email from Joseph Cella of Fidelis:

January 9, 2007

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year!

No sooner did Congress reconvene last week, and new efforts are already underway to provide federal taxpayer dollars to fund the killing of human embryos for scientific research. Fidelis is working hard to oppose this legislation and the liberal groups and Congressmen who are behind it, but we NEED your help today.

Fidelis needs your help today in defeating federal legislation that will fund the killing of human embryos.

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this coming Thursday, January 11, 2006 on H.R. 3, a bill sponsored by Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), that will spend tax dollars to kill human embryos for stem cell research.

Once again, Congress is expecting the taxpayers to foot the bill for something that does not work. This legislation is unethical social policy and irresponsible fiscal policy based on unproven science. Investing millions of more taxpayer dollars into unproven and unethical research, particularly with much better options available, is the equivalent to a scientific bridge to nowhere.

There are over 72 different diseases and conditions that can benefit from treatment with adult stem cells. Adult and other non-embryonic stem cell research, such as cord blood is the most promising of this area of science. Despite the millions of dollars invested on embryonic stem cell research, it has not been tested on humans due to the risks involved, such as the growth of tumors, and not one treatment has been derived.

There is a way to make rapid advances in stem cell science without destroying human life, while protecting hard working taxpayers. The more responsible solution for Congress to pursue would be to expand the federal investment in adult and other non-embryonic stem cell research.

The expected vote comes less than a week after scientists at Wake Forest and Harvard Universities reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology, that they were able to coax amniotic stem cells into differentiating into cells for fat, bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and the liver. In mice, they used the nerve cells to replace damaged brain tissue and bone cells to fuse into healthy bone. Scientists are hopeful these stem cells may be used against diseases such as Lou Gehrig's, diabetes, Alzheimer's and cancer.

We are going to hold accountable those pro-life Democrats and pro-life Republicans who are said to be flip-flopping from their previous opposition to this reckless piece of legislation.

Help us oppose this dangerous, unethical and misguided legislation. Contact your Congressman now by calling the Capitol at 202-225-3121!

Also, PLEASE forward this Fidelis Action Alert to friends, family and associates who can help us make a difference on this important piece of legislation!

Sincerely yours,

Joseph Cella
President


Fidelis is a national Catholic-based advocacy organization working with people of faith across the state to defend and promote the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and the right to religious liberty by electing pro-life, pro-family and pro-religious liberty candidates, supporting the confirmation of judges, and promoting and defending laws faithful to the Constitution of the United States.

Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Robert Novak on "Pro-Life Democrats?"

The Unconscionable Claims of Michael J. Fox

Missouri: Response Ad to Michael J. Fox

Catholic Official: New Study Provides No “Ethical” Road to Stem Cell Research

"These Boys and Girls Are NOT Spare Parts"

“Mr. President: Veto This Bill”

What a Bush Veto Would Mean for Stem Cells

Rove: Bush Will Veto Embryonic Stem Cell Bill

New Poll: Americans Continue To Oppose Funding Stem Cell Research That Destroys Human Embryos

Missouri Senator's Stem Cell Switch Imperils Re-Election

Biotechnology Industry Leader Says Cord Cells No Stand-In For Embryonic

Pro-Life Conservatives Should Prepare For Another Bush Sell-Out - This Time On Stem Cells

In Heartland, Stem Cell Research Meets Fierce Opposition

Specter Seeks Veto-Proof Stem Cell Margin

Catholic League: Frist is Worse Than Kerry on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Cardinal Keeler Criticizes Senate Majority Leader Frist’s Statement On Embryonic Stem-Cell Research

Frist to Back Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Jeb Bush Opposes Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research