Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005

STEM CELL THERAPEUTIC AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - December 17, 2005)

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Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, this is a bright day for many individuals suffering from previously untreatable diseases, and I commend our colleagues in the Senate for passing the Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Act of 2005. It was the right thing to do. It will save many lives and avoid the ethically divisive issue of the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research.

As we have heard today, cord blood stem cells have helped effectively treat over 67 diseases in human beings, including leukemia, sickle cell, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, Parkinson's, and even blindness. Cord blood cells show great promise for helping spinal cord patients, many of whom have experienced improved sensation and movement from cord blood stem cell treatments.

Cord blood stem cells also possess the regenerative flexibility to form virtually every type of human tissue. And research has shown these cells are far less susceptible to transplant rejection than bone marrow.

I want to commend my colleague, Mr. Smith, for his tireless effort in this regard, and for the leadership of Mr. Davis on this important issue. Their efforts transcend political differences. Mr. Speaker, this bill truly represents good science.

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