Fw: Oppose SCNT Ban!

[Ervin McCarthy <ervinmccarthy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ervin McCarthy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Senator Debbie Stabenow" <senator@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ervinmccarthy@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 06, 2002 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: Oppose SCNT Ban!


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> October 6, 2002
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> Ervin McCarthy
> 7000 Cooley Lake Road
> White Lake, Michigan  48383
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> Thank you . . .
>
>  . . for contacting me regarding cloning.  This is a very complex issue
> and I appreciate hearing from you.
>
> With new medical breakthroughs, this is an exciting time in which we live.
> I believe policy makers have a responsibility to thoroughly examine the
> ethical, philosophical, and scientific consequences of these new
> developments.  While encouraging positive discoveries, I do want to ensure
> appropriate restrictions on unethical or potentially dangerous research.
>
> I have always opposed human reproductive cloning.  I believe that
> reproductive cloning is morally reprehensible and I will continue to
> oppose this process.  The worldwide scientific community shares my concern
> and recognizes a self-imposed moratorium against research for reproductive
> cloning.
>
> However, a recent scientific discovery in the process of "Somatic Cell
> Nuclear Therapy (SCNT)" has been confused with reproductive cloning.
> These two processes are very different.  Reproductive cloning is an
> attempt to create a duplicate human being.  SCNT is a scientific process
> that uses donated cellular tissue from a patient to help cure that person
> of a disease like Parkinson's disease or heart disease, without the threat
> of rejection that can occur in other procedures. The possibilities for
> cures that could be derived from this research range from diabetes to
> cancer to spinal cord injuries.
>
> Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a broad ban on
> reproductive cloning that would also prohibit continued work on SCNT and
> other valuable research.  While I firmly believe that the ban on
> reproductive cloning must continue, it should not be confused with SCNT
> research that can help many patients suffering from terrible diseases. For
> these reasons, I will support a ban on cloning that does not include a ban
> on SCNT.
>
> Since the recent breakthroughs in SCNT, several new pieces of legislation
> have been introduced that would address the issue of human cloning.
> Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sam Brownback (R-KS), and Ben Nighthorse
> Campbell (R-CO) each have a bill pending that would ban reproductive
> cloning. These bills have been referred to the various Senate Committees
> that have jurisdiction over this issue. Should any of these come before me
> for a vote, I will certainly keep your concerns in mind.
>
> Thank you for taking the time to share your views with me. As always,
> please don't hesitate to contact me whenever I can be of assistance.
>
>
> Sincerely,
> Debbie Stabenow
> United States Senator
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