Jewish Organizations Advocate for Stem Cell Research

Bush's veto of federally funded stem cell research last week means more work for Jewish organizations. Groups like Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), the Religious Action Center (RAC) and the Orthodox Union (OU) - strong advocates for the promotion of federally-funded stem cell research - must find a new approach in their efforts to encourage the legalization of more embryonic stem cell research.

Until 2009, when Bush will no longer be in office to veto such legislation, leaders of these organizations are suggesting that states follow California's model and initiate state-funded stem cell research programs.   

The steep cost of this research requires federal funding to ensure its success. While other scientific approaches are being considered to potentially cure illnesses such as Juvenile Diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, the possibility of a cure with embryonic stem cell research is much more promising at this time.

More on the recent stem cell legislation and Bush's veto here and here.