Stem Cell Action Coalition Applauds Federal Circuit Court Decision in the Sherley v. Sebelius Case

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement may be attributed to Bernard Siegel, J.D., spokesperson for the Stem Cell Action Coalition and executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI):

"The Stem Cell Action Coalition, comprising 75 nonprofit organizations, applauds today's Circuit Court ruling in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius. This ruling in favor of the government allows NIH funding for embryonic stem cell research to continue."

"Human embryonic stem cell research has been described by scientists as the "gold standard" for those seeking to develop cures based on stem cell technology for many diseases and maladies such as Parkinson's, ALS, diabetes, MS, macular degeneration and other causes of blindness, spinal cord injuries, and a host of other medical conditions for which there is no known cure."

"As today's decision can be appealed, proponents of federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research need to remain vigilant.  Indeed, with the current GOP platform opposing federal funding of this research and the ongoing threats of "personhood" measures in several states, funding for this promising field of research continues to hang on a thread. This is a time for clarity. All candidates for federal office must declare, yes or no, whether they will support continued funding for embryonic stem cell research."

"We are very grateful to Neal Goldfarb, of the law firm of Butzel Long Tighe Patton, PLLC in Washington, D.C., for contributing to the amicus brief to the Circuit Court in which the Genetics Policy Institute participated and his writing of the amicus brief to the District Court submitted by GPI.  These "friends of the court" briefs present arguments in support of the government's position."

The Stem Cell Action Coalition serves as an engine to unite the pro-cures community. It recognizes that human embryonic stem cell research must be a national public health priority at all branches and levels of government, both federal and state, not only as a matter of the medical health of the individuals who comprise the United States, but also as a matter of national financial health. The Coalition sponsors a web site www.stemcellaction.org and is actively engaged in social media and can be followed at Twitter @StemCellAction and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stemcellaction.

The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) supports stem cell research to develop therapeutics and cures. It pursues its mission through producing the annual World Stem Cell Summit, publishing the World Stem Cell Report, honoring leadership through its annual Stem Cell Action Awards, organizing educational and public awareness initiatives, and fostering strategic collaborations.

SOURCE The Stem Cell Action Coalition