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12/21/2005

NJRTL Applauds NJ Congressman Chris Smith's Life-Saving Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Bill
Research is Ethical; Already Saving Lives

MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 21 /Christian Wire Service/ -- New Jersey Right to Life, the state's largest pro-life organization issued the following statement today.

"We applaud NJ Congressman Chris Smith, for his tireless work on this life-saving legislation," said Marie Tasy, Executive Director. "Through the passage of this legislation, NJ Congressman Chris Smith proves once again that he is a human rights champion. Umbilical cord blood stem cell and bone marrow treatments are already treating patients. Thanks to Congressman Smith, thousands of people will now be offered this life-affirming, ethical and successfully proven research."

The legislation authorizes $79 Million for collection of cord-blood stem cells from umbilical cords and placentas left over from childbirth and $265 Million for life-saving stem-cell therapeutic therapy, cord blood and bone marrow treatment. The bill was signed into law by President Bush on December 20 and establishes the first- ever, ethical nationwide stem cell transplantation system. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are now helping patients suffering with six dozen illnesses, including sickle cell anemia, leukemia and a variety of cancers. Evidence shows that cord blood may provide a number of cures and treatments for a myriad of other medical conditions, including heart attack, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, muscular dystrophy, stroke, diabetes, spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Umbilical cord blood stem cell and bone marrow treatments have proven to be successful in treating patients and have none of the recurring problems or ethical baggage currently associated with embryo destructive research and human cloning currently being pushed by NJ Acting Governor Richard Codey.

"The cures lie in non-embryonic stem cell research; that is where our hope and collective resources should be directed. NJ Congressman Chris Smith's bill paves the way for real medical miracles for the people of New Jersey and all across America, and we applaud him for his wisdom and tenacity in helping to provide this life-saving research to so many patients in need," said Marie Tasy.