In a unified show of support, the National Infertility Association (RESOLVE) has joined forces with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American Fertility Association to endorse the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810).
“RESOLVE strongly supports expanding our current federal policy on the use of embryonic stem cells,” said Joseph C. Isaacs, President and CEO of RESOLVE. “Embryonic stem cells offer great hope. They could be the key to curing some of the most serious diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, ALS, and spinal cord injuries. Up to 100 million Americans could benefit from this research.”
Many couples undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) end up with extra embryos that are frozen and never used. RESOLVE notes that these couples are in a unique position to help scientific progress by donating unused embryos for research. Such donations could lead to more effective treatments and possible cures for life-threatening illnesses.
Barb Collura, RESOLVE’s Director of Chapter and Constituent Services, shared her personal experience during a press conference held in support of the bill. “I’m the proud mother of a four-year-old son, Anthony, through adoption, after several failed IVF attempts,” she said. “My husband and I, like thousands of RESOLVE members, care deeply about having choices regarding unused embryos. If we had the option, we would have gladly donated our embryos to science. It would have been a blessing to help advance medical research and possibly save lives.”
Currently, nearly 400,000 frozen embryos are stored across the United States due to infertility treatments. While many couples plan to use them in future attempts to build a family, others may eventually discard them. If not used for reproduction, these embryos could be donated either to help another family or to contribute to life-saving research.
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