DeLauro Responds to Stem Cell Decision

Washington, DC –Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement in reaction to the decision by U.S. District Judge Royce Lambert that temporarily suspends federal funding for stem cell research.

"This shortsighted ruling delays potentially life-saving advances in medicine for the nearly millions of patients living with Alzheimers, Parkinsons, brain and spinal cord disorders, diabetes, cancer other debilitating illnesses whose last hopes may lie with stem cell research. I know first-hand the promise of biomedical research: 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer by chance on an unrelated doctors visit. Research can save lives—it saved mine. It can make the difference between life and death, and between hope and despair.

"We need to have a common-sense national policy on stem cell research. Rather than continue to delay innovative ethical research we need to promote the prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases—we do not live in the Dark Ages and nor should our public policy. This is science that could save lives, and I look forward to the Obama Administration's appeal of this misguided court decision and to Congress passing legislation that will ensure progress in this field."