Frist Explains Stem Cell Decision
Senate Majority Leader Says 'Ethically Considerate' Research Is Acceptable
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Jul. 29, 2005 - In exclusive interview with "GMA," Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist explained his plans to break with President Bush for the first time today when he announces his support of legislation to expand federal financing for embryonic stem cell research.
Stem cell research has fueled fierce debate between those who say the cells are the best way to find treatments for diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cancer, and opponents who say using embryos is unethical, even if they could eventually save lives.
Last month Frist, a prominent heart and lung surgeon, said he did not support expanded federal financing of stem cell research. He says he now believes the research is promising and deserves federal funding, if the embryos are collected in an "ethically considerate" way.
"I'm doing this as somebody who has convictions," Frist told "GMA." "This is not about politics. It is about policy. It is about principle. It is about human life."
Frist said he remains firm on his pro-life stance, and his support of stem cell research does not contradict his views on abortion.
"I give huge moral significance to the human embryo. It is nascent human life," he said. "What that means is that as we advance science, we treat that embryo with dignity, with respect."
Frist said only embryos that would otherwise be discarded should be used for the research. Those that could be adopted or implanted would not be used.
In 2001, Bush announced that the government should pay only for research of stem cell colonies, or lines, that were created by that date where the "life or death" decision already had been made. At the time there were 78 lines available, but genetic problems and other difficulties currently leave just 22 available for research.
Frist said even the remaining 22 lines were not fit for "human therapy," and therefore Bush's policy should be revised. He will support a bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, a version of which the House has already passed, which allows federal research on stem cell lines created after 2001.
"While human embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage, the limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases," Frist said in a copy of today's speech provided to "GMA." "Therefore, I believe the president's policy should be modified."
Bush has said he will veto the bill.
Some speculate Frist's announcement is a political move to position him for the 2008 presidential race. Frist said that others would say this is exactly what he shouldn't do if he wants the Republican nomination.
According to a June 3 ABC poll, 59 percent of the public supports stem cell research. However, while 57 percent of Republicans favor limited funding, only 39 percent support broader funding.
"I spelled them [my convictions] out five years ago," Frist said. "People will say I am consistent."
Frist is not the first Republican to support stem cell research. Republican Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania, who suffers from advanced stage Hodgkins lymphoma, supports the research, as does former first lady Nancy Reagan.
First will give his speech on the Senate floor further detailing his reason for stem cell research funding later today.
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