Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Urges Bush to Honor Reagan by Lifting Stem Cell Restrictions

6/9/2004

From: Marjorie Signer of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, 202-682-7700 ext 12 or msigner@rcrc.org

WASHINGTON, June 9 -- On behalf of the entire nation, The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) urges President Bush to pay a profoundly moral tribute to former President Reagan by removing the severe restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As Nancy Reagan has said, removing these restrictions would open the way to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, the devastating disease that took Reagan's life, and other incurable diseases.

RCRC advises President Bush that encouraging embryonic stem cell research is fully in keeping with the great value that this nation's people and its religious institutions place on healing, alleviating suffering, and serving the sick.

Nancy Reagan has shown the nation a model of courage and strength in her continued efforts to eliminate restrictions in this research. RCRC further urges President Bush to honor Mrs. Reagan's selfless efforts to spare others from not only the ravages of Alzheimer's but also diseases such as Parkinson's, juvenile diabetes, and cancer and conditions such as spinal cord injury that could be cured.

In addition to Mrs. Reagan, many millions are praying and working for the lifting of restrictions on this life-saving research-including many thousands of other afflicted families, numerous religious groups, respected scientists, and more than 260 Democratic and Republican Members of Congress, including staunch abortion opponent Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who in the last few weeks have written to President Bush, asking him to loosen his restrictions.

As the nation mourns the 40th president, citizens should also show respect for life by freeing researchers from needless restrictions that stymie progress and cause needless pain and suffering to millions who also suffer from President Reagan's plight.

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, founded in 1973, is the national organization of religious and religiously affiliated groups from 15 denominations, including the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association, and Reform and Conservative Judaism.