House Approves Unethical Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

Update:

CNS News provides an excellent report on the vote, including the position of opponents of the measure:

Opponents like Rep. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) argued that the U.S. faced a "slippery slope" and eventually other embryos would be used, including those cloned specifically for the purpose.

"It is not necessary to sacrifice the life of embryos to obtain cells that could become embryonic stem cell lines," said Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md). "It is wrong to use federal taxpayer dollars for research which offends the morals and ethics of millions of Americans."

Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) and others opposed to research relying on ESCs noted that stem cells from non-embryonic sources - those obtained from umbilical cords, placentas, nasal passages and elsewhere - were already being used successfully to treat illnesses.

"Seventy to zero" said Dan Lungren (R.-Calif.), referring to the number of conditions already being treated with so-called "adult" stem cells, compared to those being treated with ESCs even after decades of research.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) argued that ESC research "has shown no therapeutic value to date, is highly controversial, and many taxpayers do not wish to have their money spent here."

"Why not invest our limited resources in adult stem cell research that is showing great promise and giving real hope?" he asked. "This is good public policy, this is the right thing to do."

"Allowing unethical research that kills small human beings is apparently not enough for some. They insist that all Americans must be complicit by paying for it, even though superior alternatives – which are ethical and effective – not only exist but are already treating patients. Since ethical alternatives exist, this bill is about playing politics, not helping patients."

In response to the passage of H.R. 3, Pro-Life Wisconsin State Director Peggy Hamill stated, “For the newly elected Democrat Congress to make the destruction of embryonic children an immediate legislative priority is a sad reflection on our country. This dreadful bill would force American taxpayers to fund the evisceration of human embryos – babies in their earliest stages of development – for no proven medical benefit; as if such benefit could ever justify the killing of any person. Fortunately, President Bush has vowed to veto this appalling measure yet again.