WASHINGTON–(January 7, 2013)–Bernard Siegel, spokesperson for the Stem Cell Action Coalition and Executive Director of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), issued a statement today in support of the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of the plantiffs’ application to appeal the Sherley v Sebelius case: “The U.S. Supreme Court denied today the plaintiffs’ application to appeal the decision of the D.C. Court of Appeals, thereby ending Sherley v Sebelius in favor of the government and upholding federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. This is a major victory for scientifically and ethically responsible innovative research. With the cloud of this case lifted, researchers can now rest assured that the challenge to the NIH’s 2009 guidelines for funding for embryonic stem cell research is over. Patients and their advocates can rejoice that this potentially lifesaving research can proceed at the federal level. But at the same time we must remain vigilant against threats at state and other policy-making levels.”
Siegel said, “GPI filed amicus briefs in the United States District Court and in the Court of Appeals supporting the government’s position. We are pleased to have made a contribution to the successful outcome of the case and are grateful to GPI’s counsel, Neal Goldfarb of the law firm of Butzel Long Tighe Patton, PLLC in Washington, D.C. for his extraordinary contribution to the cause.”
GPI’s mission is to promote and defend stem cell research and its application in regenerative and other forms of medicine to develop therapeutics and cures for many otherwise intractable diseases and disorders. GPI pursues this mission through production of its flagship annual World Stem Cell Summit, publication of the World Stem Cell Report, special projects, speaking engagements, online newsletters and strategic collaborations. Among its initiatives, GPI maintains the Stem Cell Action Coalition, an alliance of 75 independent organizations, including patient groups, academic institutes, medical philanthropies and science and medical societies, all supporting stem cell research targeting cures.