June 10, 2005

Pitt News

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A June 1, 2005 column by Sam Morey… June 10, 2005

Pitt News

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A June 1, 2005 column by Sam Morey speculated that Senator Specter (R-Pa.) became involved in the stem cell issue “probably because he has one of the forms of cancer researchers feel stem cells might treat.” The truth is that Senator Specter began exploring the benefits of stem cell research when it was first discovered in 1998, which was before he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In November 1998, human embryonic stem cells were derived for the first time. Ten days later, in his capacity as chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Senator Specter held his first hearing on stem cells to inquire about the mechanics of the research and its potential medical benefits. In subsequent years, he held 15 hearings on the subject. Last year, Senator Specter spearheaded a letter, which was signed by 58 of his Senate colleagues, to President George W. Bush to urge him to expand the current embryonic stem cell policy. This year, he introduced, along with Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), the stem cell bill to expand embryonic stem cell research.

Senator Specter believes that stem cells hold tremendous potential to cure people of ailments such as cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. The fact is that some 400,000 embryos, which were created for in vitro fertilization, are going to be discarded. Senator Specter has encouraged adoption of these embryos, securing $1 million annually since fiscal year 2002, because life would be their highest calling, even though 80 of those adoptions have successfully occurred. If these embryos are going to be destroyed, they should be used to save lives.

Senator Specter has a long-established record on stem cell research because he has always believed in its potential to save lives. It is an advocacy that will continue, even after he overcomes his latest challenge.

Scott J. Hoeflich

Press Secretary

Senator Arlen Specter