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Congressman for all Alaska Don Young voted today in support of (H.R. 3) the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. This bill passed by a vote of 253 to 174.

"I understand that some people may view this as contrary to my pro-life position, but I would disagree," said Congressman Young. "The embryonic stem cells that this bill deals with are derived from in-vitro fertilized embryos that are developed in excess of those needed for the process to allow infertile couples to have children. There are estimated to be more than 400,000 of these embryos, which are currently frozen and will likely be destroyed if not donated, with informed consent of the couple, available for research. Rather than destroying these potential life-saving cells, it makes far more sense for them to be donated and used by federally funded researchers in their quests to discover therapies and cures for countless diseases. These cells may hold the key that can bring new life to millions of people worldwide.

"Stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and better understand deadly and disabling diseases that affect more than 100 million Americas, such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, diabetes and many others.

"The current policy that the Administration established limits federal funding only to embryonic stem cells that were derived by August 9, 2001, the date of the policy announcement. As a result of the current policy, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to attract new scientists to this area of research because of concerns that funding restrictions will keep this research from being successful.

"Additionally, this promising field of research is moving overseas as researchers seek out more supportive environments in Europe and Asia. The United States, known for its great history of scientific breakthroughs, is being left behind. Our nation’s scientific progress is dependent on collaboration, openness and opportunity. We have only just begun to explore the promise and potential of stem cells. The current stem cell research policy is an obstacle to full understanding and exploration of this pioneering research and my vote today will hopefully signal a new beginning in America research."