Drew Ferguson: “like many of my colleagues and fellow citizens across the country, my family, too, has been touched by the scourge of…”

“like many of my colleagues and fellow citizens across the country, my family, too, has been touched by the scourge of disease. I have seen firsthand the devastating effect that disease can have on a loved one and on a family. That is why I am a strong supporter of stem cell research, research on adult stem cells and stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placenta blood. Adult stem cell research has already proven successful and worthy of our investment of taxpayer money. It has proven so useful in fact that therapies derived from adult stem cells are treating patients today throughout the country. Before the House today we have a bill that supports new and even broader horizons in stem cell technology, H.R. 5526, the Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act. To be sure, positions on embryonic stem cell research are deeply held by every Member. This legislation focuses on what scientists at many of our country's most esteemed research universities have developed, embryonic stem cells that do not require the destruction of the embryo. Scientists seeking the same compassionate cures to many of our most debilitating diseases have recognized that science and ethics need not be divorced to produce positive results for patients. Adult stem cell therapies and pluripotent stem cell therapy present exciting and hopeful new possibilities and treatments and even cures to families with loved ones facing the scourge of disease. This is good news worth repeating.…”