Controversy Heats Up on Stem Cell Research Funding
By Ori Twersky
WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) - As President Bush nears making a final decision on whether to allow federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells, the Bush administration is coming under increasing pressure from both sides of the debate.
Stem cells are the primitive cells found in embryos and some adult tissues, which develop into brain cells, liver cells, heart cells and other parts of the human body.
Despite the potential promise for these stem cells to be molded into tissue that can produce a therapeutic benefit, few medical research issues have stirred up as much controversy. While scientists say the research could lead to breakthrough cures for diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's and diabetes, antiabortion activists say the research itself is tantamount to taking a life.
In the latest development, three prominent Republicans have now also expressed their opposition, saying the government should not support this "industry of death"--even if it does lead to cures.
Instead, the administration should prohibit federal funding of embryonic stem cell research and promote studies on stem cells from adult tissues, said the statement from House Majority Leader Richard Armey (R-TX), Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX) and Republican Conference Chairman J. C. Watts (R-OK).
Stem cells can be collected from the blood found in umbilical cords and some adult tissues, but cells derived from embryos are thought to have the most potential when it comes to creating a variety of cell types.
Despite the opposition, administration officials recently revealed that the White House is leaning toward a plan that would permit government-funded research using the discarded embryos similar to the plan previously adopted by the Clinton administration. The cells used in such research are typically derived from donated embryos created during infertility treatments.
Bush put that Clinton policy on hold after taking office, while searching for a plan of his own. However, the White House is now coming under increasing pressure from even some "pro-life" Republicans to allow for this federal funding.
In fact, the White House has also received numerous letters from a growing contingency of antiabortion, pro-stem cell research Republicans, including the conservative Republican Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
"Stem cell research facilitates life," said Senator Hatch, who in his 12-page letter to the White House also detailed his antiabortion record. "Abortion destroys life; this is about saving lives."
Also on record now as supporting federal funding are the conservative Republicans Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) and former Senator Connie Mack (R-FL), as well as more than a handful of moderate Republicans, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Lincoln Chafee (R-RI).
However, there is a chance that President Bush might take a more conservative stance.
Besides the House Republicans, also among those opposing federal funding is key Bush advisor Karl Rove, who reportedly has warned Bush against allowing for the federal funding because it would anger Catholic voters. |
