Kent Conrad: “as the Senate debates stem cell research, I wanted to indicate that I will be supporting all three measures before the…”

“as the Senate debates stem cell research, I wanted to indicate that I will be supporting all three measures before the Senate. I will support these measures because I have great faith that some day this promising research will lead to cures for some of our most devastating diseases. This is not a decision I came to hastily. I have thought long and hard about stem cell research. Hundreds of North Dakota families have told me this research is the key to helping their loved ones lead healthy lives. I have also heard from North Dakotans who have very strong religious objections to stem cell research. I respect their views. But, in the end, I believe we should put an appropriate ethical framework in place to give hope of a cure to those who suffer from disease. That is why I am supporting stem cell research. In 2001, a group of U.S. Senators, including me, called on President Bush to allow Federal funding of stem cell research. The President agreed and created the current policy of allowing research but only on those lines developed by August 9, 2001. This arbitrary date has limited the ability of scientists to fully realize the potential of stem cell research. In fact, there are only 22 lines available today, and all are contaminated. I think it is right to expand the available lines. And it is imperative that we create a strong framework to ensure this research is done in the most ethical way.…”