“The veto is devastating to the Parkinson’s community along with other Americans who have worked so hard to push for this research,” said Amy Comstock, CEO of PAN.   “It is unconscionable that the President’s first veto kills legislation dedicated to the health of Americans.” 

“The strong bipartisan support we saw in the House and Senate sends a clear message that the majority of Americans are in favor of this advanced and potential life-saving research.  The president’s veto is completely out of step from the feelings of the American public.  ” 

“I am saddened that politics have gotten in the way of the great possibility of saving the more than one million people living with Parkinson’s and the more than 120 million Americans suffer from chronic and life-threatening diseases.”

H.R. 810 would have expanded current policy to allow for federal dollars to be used for stem cell research on donated embryos from fertility clinic patients. 

The legislation would not have prohibited the adoption of the leftover embryos or so-called, ‘snowflake babies.’

“The argument that these embryos will all be adopted just does not add up,” Comstock said.  “Just over one hundred have been adopted versus the nearly four hundred thousand that will be medical waste.”

“On behalf of the Parkinson’s community, I thank those Representatives and Senators who supported the bill and I pledge that we will remain steadfast in your efforts to expand federal funding for stem cell research.” 

Founded in 1991, PAN is the unified education and advocacy voice of the Parkinson’s community—over one million Americans and their families.  Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN fights for a cure by increasing awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks increased federal support for Parkinson’s research.  For more information on the Parkinson’s Action Network, please visit www.parkinsonsaction.org or call 1-800-850-4726.