Actor Fox Urges Congress on Stem Cell Bill

Actor Michael J. Fox is pushing Congress hard to lift President Bush's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

The Senate is considering a House-passed bill to lift Bush's 2001 restrictions on federal funding for such studies, but the measure is facing stiff resistance from conservatives who believe the process is unethical because it destroys embryos.

Stem cell research on human embryos holds the most promise in the search for cures for a list of diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and some types of cancer.

Michael J. Fox suffers from Parkinson's disease and in remarks prepared for a Capitol Hill news conference on Wednesday he said:

Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise...More federal funding and more lines are needed or progress will stall.

He is joined by Nancy Reagan and Dana Reeve, widow of Christopher Reeve, in the fight to have Bush's restrictions lifted.

Associated Press