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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neeka who wrote (170737)	8/12/2001 11:11:02 PM
From: puborectalis	Respond to of 769667

Editorial: A shaky middle ground Bush's "compromise" on stem-cell research leaves questions unanswered. By DesMoinesRegister Editorial Board 08/11/2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The wait is over. Thursday night President Bush called Americans to their living rooms to hear his final answer on stem-cell research. Following months of grappling and agonizing, Bush spent most of his televised address detailing the debate surrounding research before finally revealing his conclusion. He will allow federal funding for very limited stem-cell research. "Limited" is the key word. Bush referred to 60 existing stem-cell lines derived from already destroyed embryos. These lines are currently in the private sector, and Bush determined those to be ethically safe for research because "the life and death decision has already been made" on them. There will be no federal money for research involving thousands embryos in fertility clinics destined to be discarded. It was an obvious attempt to "respect life," but some who believe the law should protect all embryos from the moment of conception were not impressed. Republican Alan Keyes compared the president's approval for experimentation on already destroyed embryos and their resulting, self-replicating cell lines to "eat[ing] the fruit of the poison tree." The National Conference of Catholic Bishops made clear it believes the president broke his promise to "oppose federal funding for stem-cell research that involves destroying human embryos." The less dogmatic majority of Americans were probably left just asking questions. What is a "stem-cell line"? And if you knew the answer to this, you might wonder if there really are 60 and if they're viable. Will these lines be adequate to conduct meaningful research? Are the limitations Bush is placing on research going to impede advancements? What will happen if the existing lines don't prove sufficient? Will the president then allow for the use of other embryos? One scientist said he doubts there are 60 usable, uncontaminated lines, and this limited number won't provide the necessary variety needed for research. Some fear inflated prices for stem cells because the only approved lines are privately owned and held by a single company. One critic said a decision like this will lead to a brain drain, as scientists will go to countries with less restrictive policies to do their research. All are legitimate questions. President Bush did not come to a good compromise on this issue. President Clinton's guidelines had already been a compromise by not allowing tax money to directly pay for the destruction of embryos. Now Bush has further limited the resources scientists have to work with, which risks causing setbacks for what might prove to be real treatment for millions of Americans suffering from diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and spinal-cord injuries. So the American people should call on Congress to encourage scientists to proceed carefully, while providing them with adequate resources. Legislators from both parties have already started drafting bills that allow for more expansive access to embryos, particularly those destined to be destroyed anyway. What has been touted as one of the most important decisions in the Bush presidency must now be re-evaluated by Congress. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------