Sean Patrick Maloney: “last week, there was a hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment of the Committee on Commerce…”

“last week, there was a hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment of the Committee on Commerce concerning fetal tissue. Though the hearing was purported to be about alleged abuses involving fetal tissue for medical research, I believe it was an attempt by antichoice Members to try to stop lifesaving research involving fetal tissue and stem cells. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced House Resolution 414 in a bipartisan manner with the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and many others to allow Federal funding of human pluripotent stem cell research to help us further understand Parkinson's Disease and other medical conditions. I am asking for no specific amount of money nor to direct disease-specific research. I am only asking that Federal money be allowed to be used to utilize the next best chance science has to not only treat, but to cure debilitating and life-threatening illnesses that afflict millions of Americans. Many people have been confusing human pluripotent stem cell research with human embryo research. Stem cells are not embryos. There is now a ban on the use of Federal funds for human embryo research in the United States. Stem cells cannot develop into a complete human being and therefore, under the law, they are not embryos. Stem cells are a type of cell that can be turned into almost any type of cell or tissue in the body.”