A recent statement from the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research (an organization I'm very honored to be associated with) reviews the situation regarding the University of Nebraska Medical Center's policy on experimenting with human embryos and the insistent push from some of the NU Regents to expand that immoral research yet further. I encourage you to read this brief statement and then follow through with the actions NCER advises."As you know, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents is currently debating ethical research practices and NU's policy that allows the expansion of human embryonic stem cell research (hESCR). The Regents are set to meet November 20th to vote on the issue, and we need you to ACT NOW to help pass a resolution to prevent the expansion of human embryonic stem cell research in Nebraska.
Earlier this year the Obama administration made a policy change to allow federal funds to be used for research with new human embryonic stem cell lines - creating an increased demand for the destruction of human embryos for research purposes. University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) policy currently mirrors the federal policy - meaning UNMC policy allows an expansion of embryonic stem cell research. [But] University officials have repeatedly stated their intention to expand hESCR.
The Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research, along with other pro-life groups [including Vital Signs], have been working diligently to pass a resolution to uphold the "Bush policy" on human embryonic stem cell lines, which is to limit hESC research to what existed before 2001 and not create further demand for the destruction of embryos.
Five of the eight Regents have said publicly that they oppose expansion of hESCR giving us hope that they would adopt a policy change that would formally prohibit the expansion. However, Jim McClurg, from Lincoln, was quoted in the Lincoln Journal Star saying he's unsure how he will vote."
What can you do?
If you haven't already, please consider signing this NCER electronic petition. Consider also forwarding this Vital Signs post to others who can follow your example.
Also, you can contact Regent Jim McClurg at (402) 477-2030 or jmcclurg@nebraska.edu and politely, respectfully urge him to vote like he promised he would; namely to vote FOR the resolution to limit human embryonic stem cell research.
And finally, NCER would deeply appreciate any financial contributions which would help support their superb work.
