NCJW Expresses Deepest Disappointment at Stem Cell Veto

June 20, 2007, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed deep disappointment that President Bush has once again vetoed legislation that would lift unnecessary restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"NCJW is deeply disappointed in the President's veto today of legislation that would have removed the restrictions placed on embryonic stem cell research. This bill passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan support and its goals are supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. It would have offered new hope to tens of millions afflicted by such diseases as ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

"The President's veto puts the religious and ideological concerns of an extreme minority above the broad public interest. While he claims to be protecting human embryos from experimentation, the reality is that thousands of such embryos are and will be discarded in any case as the byproduct of fertility treatments. His directive to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to pursue alternative forms of research is a fig leaf to disguise his decision to let religion trump science and health. NIH and others are already conducting such research and the President's comments do nothing to change policy in this area.

"This veto marks another sad chapter in the Administration's war against sound science when it comes to issues of health and reproduction. We call on Congress to speak for the overwhelming majority of Americans by overriding this veto and allowing scientists the freedom to pursue the most promising avenues for disease treatment and cures."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Debbie Stillman
202 296 2588 x2; debbie@ncjwdc.org