There are 100 million Americans (612,000 in New Hampshire) who are suffering from debilitating diseases that could potentially be cured by stem cell research. Michael J. Fox and the families at Kerry’s town hall in Hampton are among them. Unfortunately, as Kerry stressed today, George Bush has virtually banned stem cell research, choosing to put ideology and politics over science.

“The hard truth is that when it comes to stem cell research, our president is sacrificing science for ideology and playing politics with people who need cures,” Kerry said. “Right now, some of the most pioneering treatments could be right at our fingertips – but because of the stem cell ban, they remain beyond our reach.”

In August 2001, George Bush asserted that his policy made available more than 60 suitable stem cell lines to federally funded researchers. However, this claim has proven to be false. Many of the cells have turned out not to be genuine stem cell lines or turned out to have no scientific value. Today, less than one third of the number Bush promised are available.

As time passes, the lines also become outdated and less useful. Every day scientists work to develop better techniques for growing and using human stem lines, but because of George Bush’s choices, researchers cannot take advantage of these breakthroughs.

Bipartisan Coalition

In the face of these setbacks, President Bush refuses to budge.

“Our president just doesn’t get it,” Kerry said. “Faced with the facts, he just turns away. Time and time again, he’s proven that he’s stubborn, out of touch and unwilling to change course. But the fact is, this isn’t about politics or ideology – it’s about how science can save lives.”

Kerry and John Edwards believe that stem cell research holds immense promise for millions in America. They join with the vast majority of Americans, a bipartisan coalition in the Senate and individuals like Michael J. Fox and Nancy Reagan in believing we should make choices that put science first, and they are committed to expanding stem cell research.

$100 Million a Year Proposed

As president, Kerry will lift the ideologically-driven restrictions on stem cell research He will fund this research, with at least $100 million a year, while ensuring strict ethical oversight of the research.

“I know that when we put our best minds to work studying our worst diseases – time and time again, we find treatments, and cures, and vaccines,” Kerry said. “When I’m president, we’re going to once again say yes to science, yes to innovation, and yes to hope for all Americans.”