Senate to vote on embryo research

By Tom Strode - Jul 14, 2006

The United States Senate is expected to vote the week of July 17-21 on three bills regarding human embryo research, including a controversial measure that would fund experiments that destroy tiny human beings.

Senators approved without dissent June 29 a request by Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee to bring the proposals to the floor. Under the agreement, the Senate will consider the: (1) Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 810, which would provide federal funds for stem cell research that destroys embryos; (2) Fetus Farming Prohibition Act, S. 3504, which would bar the acceptance of tissue from an embryo implanted or developed in a woman or animal for research purposes; (3) Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act, S. 2754, which would promote the development of embryo-like stem cells without creating or knowingly harming embryos.

Pro-life advocates strongly support the fetus farming measure, and at least some back the alternative stem cell bill. Pro-life organizations fervently oppose the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, however, because of its destructive nature for embryos.

It appears the Senate will pass the controversial measure, which the House of Representatives approved last year despite a veto threat from President Bush. H.R. 810, which would underwrite research that uses embryos left over at in vitro fertilization clinics, is designed to liberalize a Bush policy prohibiting federal funds for stem cell research that results in the destruction of human embryos. Bush’s rule allows funds for research only on embryonic stem cell lines already in existence when his policy was announced in 2001.

In May 2005, the House passed H.R. 810 in a 238-194 vote, far short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. The Senate, however, appears nearer to a two-thirds majority. Supporters in the Senate need 67 votes for an override.

The White House confirmed June 29 and July 10 the President intends to veto the bill.

Extracting stem cells from non-embryonic sources – such as umbilical cord blood, placentas, fat and bone marrow – does not harm the donor and has produced treatments that have been peer-reviewed for at least 70 ailments, including spinal cord injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and sickle cell anemia. Embryonic research has yet to treat any diseases in human beings and has been plagued by the development of tumors in lab animals.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Stem-Cell Research, Citizenship, Human Rights, Legislation, National, Social Issues