Media Kit
July 2, 2001
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) supports embryonic pluripotent stem cell research as a legitimate and important area of scientific investigation. This vital avenue of research could prove to be our strongest tool for the treatment of genetic conditions. The NSGC is the leading voice, authority and advocate for the genetic counseling profession. We number nearly 2,000 members who are masters-level health professionals most of whom provide direct patient care. We have specialized education, training and experience in both medical genetics and counseling. We support continued stem cell research for the following 3 reasons:
- Stem cell research holds the key to understanding, treating, and potentially curing hundreds of genetic conditions. Our body is a system of different types of specialized cells: blood cells, muscle cells, brain cells and many others. All of these cells started out as stem cells. As stem cells mature, they evolve into the many different specialized cells needed by the body. Stem cells are unique because of this ability to transform into multiple different cell types. Each of these cell types could theoretically repair damage caused by diseases as diverse as Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and perhaps countless others.
- The study of stem cells is a critically important area of cancer research. Scientists know that cancer cells can revert back to stem cells. This allows the cancer cells to multiply, form a tumor, and spread through the body. But many questions still remain. Stem cell research holds the key to understanding how cancer cells behave and has the potential to improve cancer detection, prevention, and treatment strategies. Additionally, stem cell research holds great promise for making bone marrow transplantation and possibly organ transplantation widely available to seriously ill people who would otherwise have to wait for a suitable donor.
- Stem cells are not easily accessible and therefore should be considered a precious resource. People produce stem cells before they are born. After birth, most of our cells become specialized and stem cells can no longer be easily obtained. The best source of stem cells for research purposes is unused fertilized ovum from in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. These unused cells are routinely discarded in IVF centers, although scientists, medical providers, and most couples going through IVF support the donation of these unused ova to stem cell research projects.
Stem cell research provides scientists with a powerful tool that will potentially benefit all of us. On behalf of our patients with genetic conditions and hereditary forms of cancer, we urge you to support and fund stem cell research.
Sincerely,
Vivian J. Weinblatt, MS, CGC
President, National Society of Genetic Counselors
Katherine A. Schneider, MPH, CGC
President- Elect
Karen R. Eanet, MS, CGC
Chair, Social Issues Committee
Cheryl Scacheri, MS, CGC
Chair, Legislative Subcommittee
Jill Fonda-Allen, MS, CGC
Social Issues Committee
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