House vote expected on stem-cell policy

By Tom Strode - Mar 31, 2005 - comment

The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives has promised a vote on legislation designed to liberalize President Bush’s policy on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

The news encouraged those seeking to expand federally funded embryonic research. Rep. Michael Castle, R.-Del., said he hopes the House will take up legislation similar to his bill, which would permit funds for research on stem cells extracted from leftover embryos stored at fertility clinics, Congressional Quarterly reported March 25.

Castle is lead sponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 810. Sen. Arlen Specter, R.-Pa., is sponsoring a companion bill, S. 471, in the Senate.

With 181 cosponsors, the House measure could pass, Castle said. “We are at a majority or close to it,” he told CQ.

The development presents a challenge for foes of funding embryonic research. The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and other pro-life organizations oppose embryonic stem cell research because procuring such cells destroys embryos. If the legislation is not defeated in Congress, President Bush may veto it.

The President, who instituted his policy in 2001, ordered a ban on federal funding of stem cell research that destroys embryos. He permitted funds for research on embryonic stem cell lines already in existence at the time he announced the policy.

“President Bush implemented a policy that allows for the first time federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, and it does so in a way that does not cross an important moral line,” White House spokeswoman Christie Parell said, according to CQ. “His views remain the same.”

The House leadership has not committed itself to a specific bill or a time for debate and vote on the controversial issue, an aide told CQ.

Stem cells are the body’s master cells that can develop into other cells and tissues, building hope for the treatment of numerous afflictions. In addition to being extracted from embryos, the cells may be found in such non-embryonic sources as bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, fat and placentas.

While embryonic stem cell research has failed to produce any successful therapies in human beings, research on stem cells from non-embryonic sources has produced treatments for more than 40 ailments, including spinal cord injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

You may express your opinion to your senators and representative by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking for their offices or by emailing them through the ERLC’s Web site.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Stem-Cell Research, Citizenship, Legislation

Post a Comment




Notify me of follow-up comments?

Before You Submit Your Comment (below), Read This:

Thank you for your interest in the ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (SBC).

Comments are moderated to preserve the family-oriented nature of this website and in an attempt to avoid comment spam. We welcome opposing viewpoints, and we will not turn comments away as long as your views are presented with respect to everyone.

Your comments will not appear immediately and are subject to editing or deletion. We will make every attempt to check new comments in a timely manner, though there will likely be delays on the weekends and around holidays.

Please follow the these guidelines to insure your comments will be posted:

  1. Use a real name, at least a real first name. We find folks are less-rude online when not hiding behind a screen-name.
  2. Name-calling and vulgar-language will not be tolerated. Zero-tolerance is our policy. We will not spend time editing profanity. If it contains foul language, your post will be deleted. Oh, and we decide what is and what is not vulgar.
  3. Comments must be on topic. General comments (compliments, complaints, and otherwise) are best delivered here or expressed on your own personal Web site.
  4. And please, do not type in ALL CAPS. It looks like you're screaming at people.

Additionally, within Baptist polity, please recognize that many issues and decisions are addressed at a local church level. SBC denominational (national) offices have no control and desire no control over the activities of a local church. This entity is not responsible for overseeing and insuring the ethical behavior of Southern Baptist pastors or church members. If your concern involves a legal civil or criminal matter, we suggest you contact the proper local officials.

Issues involving pastoral staff or other church members, local Baptist associations or state Baptist conventions are local issues. Therefore the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission cannot and should not address such issues. While we regret we are unable to assist you, we encourage you to seek a biblical resolution of the issue at the local church level. If your question or submission pertains to a matter covered in this text, it is likely we will not acknowledge your submission.

Other than that, we welcome you and hope to see thoughtful discussions at ERLC.com