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Taking the Stem Cell Issue to the Ballot Box

by Iowa Dem. Sen. Tom Harkin - 10/25/06 3:49 PM ET

It still amazes me that people continue to question the potential of embryonic stem cell research.

Countless scientists, researchers and medical experts have said that this specific type of research has the potential to improve the lives of tens of millions of patients suffering from diseases, paralysis, and other debilitating conditions.
Earlier this year, Senator Arlen Specter and I asked the top scientists at the National Institutes for Health (NIH) for their thoughts on the issue, and every single one of them said that embryonic stem cell research offers enormous potential in addressing critical health needs.

This reflects the opinion of more than 70 percent of Americans who support expanding funding in this area.
So it’s my hope that this same 70 percent expresses this sentiment at the ballot box. When they make their choice for who they want to represent them in Congress, I hope they choose the candidate who will side with science and give millions a reason to dream.

Nothing could be more pro-life than using the resources God has given us to help heal those suffering from ALS or Parkinson’s or juvenile diabetes or spinal-cord injuries.

Instead of extreme ideological positions that defy common sense, we need lawmakers who are committed to opening their hearts and minds to the great possibilities that lie in stem cell research. That’s where the voters come in. They will be the ones who decide the future of this matter.

Because we need enough like-minded members to make this dream into a reality. We intend to reintroduce HR 810 when Congress convenes in January. And we intend to prevail.