"This conference presents an opportunity for GPI and scientific leaders in the biomedical research community to openly discuss the repercussion of an international ban on therapeutic cloning and draw a clear distinction between unethical reproductive cloning and this lifesaving science," said GPI Executive Director Bernard Siegel. "We will present leading scientists from four continents including an historic visit to New York City from notable South Korean scientists, Drs. Hwang and Moon, to dispel the confusion and myths about stem cell research."

Last year, GPI successfully led a grassroots effort to defend therapeutic cloning research in the United Nations, which was considering a ban on all forms of cloning research, including therapeutic cloning. After contentious debate the deliberations were deferred until October 2004.

"A UN vote to ban this important scientific research would be tragic and destroy the hopes of millions suffering from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, ALS and other devastating conditions for which no cure is known," Siegel said. "Every human being is affected by this vote and that is why GPI is creating a grassroots constituency. People need to know that therapeutic research, which is not reproductive cloning, will lead to breakthrough cures such as creating replacement tissue that the human body won't reject."

The June 2, 2004 Science Conference, "Human Cloning Issues in All Its Aspects for the United Nations," will be held at the United Nations Headquarters. Conference panelists include the leading scientists in the fields of somatic-cell nuclear transfer, in vitro-fertilization, experimental biology and regenerative medicine. The conference will be moderated by Gerald Fischbach. M.D. of Columbia
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Contact: Ryan Kuresman, GCSA
ryan@gcsa.com
202-293-5870
Genetics Policy Institute
11-May-2004