Vote on destructive stem cell research may be close

By Tom Strode - May 1, 2006

A vote to fund stem cell research that destroys human embryos is possible before Memorial Day weekend in the United States Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee rejected a request from 40 Democrats to hold a vote on the controversial measure during the week of May 8-12, but it appears the delay may be brief, a congressional source indicated.

If a vote occurs, it will be on a bill approved last year by the House of Representatives. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 810, is designed to undermine President Bush’s policy, which prohibits federal funds for stem cell research that results in the destruction of human embryos. The President’s rule allows funds for research only on embryonic stem cell lines already in existence when his policy was unveiled in 2001. H.R. 810 would underwrite research that uses embryos left over at in vitro fertilization clinics.

Bush has promised to veto legislation that overturns his policy. H.R. 810 passed the House in a 238-194 vote, far short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. The Senate, however, may be closer to a two-thirds majority. Supporters in the Senate need 67 votes for an override.

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and other pro-life organizations fervently oppose liberalizing the current policy because the extraction of stem cells from an embryo destroys the tiny human being. Most pro-life advocates support—and the federal government funds—non-embryonic stem cell research. 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 for at least 67 human ailments. Embryonic research has yet to treat any ailments in human beings and has been plagued by the development of tumors in lab animals.

The ERLC urges Southern Baptists and others to ask their senators to oppose H.R. 810 because it funds the destruction of human life, as well as research that has not been proven effective. Senators’ offices may be reached through the Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121.

“I don’t think we want to be the kind of country that says it’s okay to kill our tiniest human beings in order to try to find treatments for the ailments of older and bigger human beings,” ERLC President Richard Land said. “When any human life is deemed less valuable than other human life, all human life is diminished.”

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Stem-Cell Research