Concerned Women for America (CWA) expressed disappointment in Majority Leader William Frist's (R-Tennessee) recent decision to go public with his support of embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR). While he had previously claimed to support the President's policy, today Sen. Frist flip-flopped on federal funding of ESCR. He spoke at length on the Senate floor this morning about his concerns with the current policy that restricts the federal funding of ESCR, a failed science that is structured around the destruction of human life.
"It is mystery to us how the senator could claim that he believes life begins at conception and then immediately contradict that statement by adding, 'I also believe embryonic stem-cell research should be encouraged and supported.' It certainly gives one pause in trusting his commitment to the sanctity of life," said Lanier Swann, CWA's director of government relations.
"While we respect the senator's desire to support a science that offers hope to ailing patients, we want to respectfully remind him that that hope already exists through the numerous advancements in adult stem-cell research (ASCR). While ESCR has yet to yield one result, more than 65 diseases have already been successfully treated through the safe and morally unquestionable research of adult stem cells. Adult stem-cell research offers the promise of cures, not the mere 'dream' Frist spoke of today. A 'dream' of cures through ESCR is a nightmare for the unborn.
"For years we have focused on educating both Congress and the public on the great strides that have been made for human cures using adult stem-cell research. We continue to support the President in his principled stand for human life and for the magnificent work of the medical community through their progress with adult stem cells," said Swann.
CWA's state leaders are also reacting today as they hear from the grassroots across their home states.
"Sen. Frist's public backing of this horrific science is being felt deeply across middle America, and most importantly at the grassroots," said Tamara Scott, CWA's Iowa State Director. "Iowans today are significantly saddened to see our Majority Leader support an issue that stands in opposition to his former pro-life stance."
