Christopher Reeve Applauds State of Calif. for Paving the Way for Medical Research; Chairman of CRPF Thanks Sponsor of Legislation 9/30/2003
From: Maggie Goldberg of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation 973-379-2690 ext. 115; mgoldberg@crpf.org SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Sept. 30 -- Christopher Reeve, Chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF), today applauded California Governor Gray Davis for signing two stem cell research bills last week, which set ethical and legal guidelines for such research conducted in California. The bills were written by state Sen. Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, who sponsored legislation last year that made California the first state in the nation to adopt its own law on funding and expanding embryonic stem cell research. Governor Davis signed that measure into law despite efforts by the Bush administration and Congress to limit the number of stem cell lines that can be used in research. "By signing these bills, Governor Davis has cemented California's commitment to be the national leader in stem cell research," said Reeve. "California has become the model for the nation by promoting stem cell research in a responsible way, despite the shortcomings of the national policy." SB 322 requires the Department of Health Services to develop ethical and legal guidelines for stem cell research. SB 771 strengthens the state's informed consent law for the donation of eggs and embryos. The bill also establishes an anonymous registry of embryos that are available for research. These two bills follow legislation passed in California last year, authorizing stem cell research in all of its forms in the state. The current federal policy, which allows federal funds to be used only on stem cell lines derived before August 9th, 2001, has hindered the advancement of critical research. Embryonic stem cells could help over 100 million Americans affected by life-threatening diseases and conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries, ALS, and many others. "The National Institutes of Health should be allowed to fund research using stem cells derived from any source, within strict ethical guidelines. Since that is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future, it now falls to state legislatures to move this critical science forward" Reeve concluded. ------ The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts. For more information, please call 800-225-0292 or visit http://www.ChristopherReeve.org. |