Bush reiterates stand against funds for embryonic research

By Tom Strode - May 31, 2004 - comment

President Bush continues to oppose destructive, embryonic stem-cell research despite mounting pressure from Congress.

After 206 members of the House of Representatives wrote Bush seeking liberalization of his restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, wrote them May 14 to report the President still opposes government funds for such experimentation. For nearly three years, a presidential order has barred federal grants for stem cell research that results in the destruction of embryos. The procurement of stem cells from an embryo only days old brings about the death of the tiny human being.

Meanwhile, on June 2, The Boston Globe reported 56 senators have signed onto a letter asking Bush to rescind his ban. Among the signers are 13 Republicans, including Trent Lott of Mississippi and Orrin Hatch of Utah.

The House letter was signed by 36 Republicans and 170 Democrats.

In his 2001 order, Bush permitted funding for research on the colonies of existing stem cells in which, as he put it, “the life-and-death decision has already been made.” It turned out there were only about 20 such colonies, far fewer than expected.

Though the ERLC and other pro-life organizations oppose embryonic stem-cell research, they support the non-harmful use of stem cells from such sources as placentas, umbilical cord blood and adult bone marrow. The use of stem cells from those sources has already produced therapeutic results in some cases.

Stem cells are primitive cells from which cells and tissues in the human body develop.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Stem-Cell Research

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