American Cancer Society Statement in Response to Presidential Decision Regarding Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

American Cancer Society
Thursday, 9 August 2001

The American Cancer Society has supported, both in its written formal testimony and in oral testimony, the proposed National Institutes for Health (NIH) guidelines for scientific research using human embryonic stem cells. The Society believes that such research holds extraordinary potential in the fight against a variety of life-threatening diseases currently afflicting an estimated 140 million Americans.

The American Cancer Society also believes that the Federal government remains the institution best suited to both fund and oversee research using human embryonic stem cells. The Society commends the Administration for allowing this vital scientific research to proceed - even in a limited way.

For its part, the Society -- with its tightly targeted niche research focus and limited financial research resources -- has consistently expressed a willingness to contribute to the exploration of stem cell research by funding investigations into the specific efficacy of human adult stem cells or umbilical cord blood.

The American Cancer Society remains hopeful that both the government and commercial sectors will continue to work collaboratively and with an open mind to explore additional solutions that will allow for the continuation of human embryonic stem cell research as necessary and appropriate.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org