People Helping People: Claire McCaskill

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill Link to article
August 04, 2009

From the Missouri Senator's Webpage:

Embryonic stem cells have the unique ability to develop into virtually every cell and tissue in the body, and stem cell research is giving hope to millions of people with debilitating diseases and disabilities who may one day benefit from embryonic stem cell therapies. Scientists report that the restrictions the Bush Administration has placed on federally-funded research is hindering progress.

Claire is a cosponsor of S.5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. This legislation, which the Senate passed in spring 2007, directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to conduct and support embryonic stem cell research, but includes strict requirements to assure that stem cells were derived from embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for fertility treatment and are in excess of what was needed for those treatments; the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and that the individuals who donated embryos have provided their writtenn informed consent and have not received any financial benefit for making the donation.

Unfortunately, the President vetoed the bipartisan legislation. More than 100 million Americans suffer from diseases or conditions that could one day be treated with therapies derived from stem cell research. The President's veto is a devastating setback, but Claire will continue to support efforts to pass this important legislation.

Click here to listen to Claire speak from the Senate floor about this important legislation.

To learn more about or to track the progress of legislation described above, please visit THOMAS.gov