Washington State House Democrats

March 15, 2005

OLYMPIA– After an emotional debate, the House today voted 59-36 to encourage ethical stem-cell research at the University of Washington that could help find cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and diabetes.

"The people of Washington know that stem-cell research can lead to truly amazing and miraculous cures for devastating diseases that afflict tens of millions of Americans," said state Rep. Shay Schual-Berke, D-Normandy Park. "But they want to know this research is being done responsibly and ethically, and that it will not lead to experiments in reproductive cloning."

Schual-Berke’s legislation would create a 13-member advisory committee of scientists, medical ethicists, legal scholars and citizens to develop guidelines for stem-cell research in Washington.

The measure expressly prohibits reproductive cloning of a human being.

The legislation also requires health-care providers to inform fertility-treatment patients of their options regarding the disposal of unused embryos, and that patients must provide informed written consent before donating unused embryos for research.

Opponents of the measure argued that human life begins at conception, and that it is wrong to use stem cells for research. But Schual-Berke emphasized that the cells which could be used for stem-cell research are currently discarded.

During the floor debate on the bill, co-sponsor Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, talked about two people he knew with life-altering diseases, and the hope offered by stem-cell research. "I saw a vibrant young man with a promising future totally disintegrate before my eyes from aggressive Parkinson’s disease," said Sullivan. "But when we had hearings on this bill, I saw hopelessness turn into hope. I saw possibilities and a light at the end of the tunnel for the human suffering that exists today not only in our nation, but around the world."

Schual-Berke cited surveys showing that a majority of Washington residents support ethical stem-cell research.

"Other states and countries have embarked on research that can revolutionize medicine," said Schual-Berke. "The choices we make will determine whether Washington helps to lead this revolution or is left out."