On July 17, the U.S. Senate will begin debate on three important bills related to stem cell research:

• S.3504 that would ban the trafficking of tissue from human fetuses gestated for research purposes (Fetus Farming Prohibition Act)




• S.2754 that would authorize federally funded research using pluripotent stem cells obtained without creating, harming, or destroying human embryos (Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act)




• H.R.810, passed by the House last year, that would use federal funds to promote the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research (Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act).

By July 18, the Senate expects to complete its debate and vote on the three bills.

If you're opposed to the farming of human embryos for stem cell research, urge your senators to vote against H.R. 810. This is a fundamental, ethical matter and it should cross political lines.

Stem cells from adult tissues, umbilical cord blood, and other morally acceptable sources are already producing treatments for diseases. Look into it yourself.

There is a faction among some liberals who want you to believe that everyone who opposes the farming of embryos for use in stem cell research is simply trying to block scientific progress. That simply isn't the case. S.2754 and S.3504 set ethical standards for stem cell research; research that continues to prove to be productive and successful.

Contact your senators about these matters today.