FRC Statement on Frist Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research
FRC Statement on Frist Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Friday July 29, 12:27 pm ET


WASHINGTON, July 29 -- Today, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) announced on the floor of the Senate his support for public funding of additional human embryo destruction for human embryonic stem cell research and an expansion of President Bush's policy regarding funding of such research. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

"Senator Frist's announcement is very disappointing but not a surprise. It is reminiscent of the speech he gave to the 2004 Republican platform committee, where he squelched open debate on the ethics of embryonic stem cell research, as well as a 2001 Senate hearing testimony where he advocated production of hundreds of human embryonic stem cell lines, which would have required destruction of thousands of human embryos.

"As a heart surgeon who knows that adult stem cells are already making huge progress in treating heart disease in humans, it is unfortunate that Sen. Frist would capitulate to the biotech industry. Under the current policy, 22 human embryonic stem cell lines, and over 3500 vials of such cells, are available for research; 39 more lines wait in the freezer for researchers to use them, and there is no cap on the federal money available for this research. Yet after 24 years of work with mouse and human embryonic stem cells, this 'promising' research has delivered not a single treatment for human patients and sparse results in mice. Thankfully the White House has forcefully promised to hold the ethical line and veto any legislation that would expand the President's current policy.

"Meanwhile, thousands of patients are better TODAY after umbilical cord blood and adult stem cell treatments for at least 65 conditions, including over 200 heart patients, results of which heart surgeon Dr. Frist should take notice. The progress of adult stem cell research, including evidence that they, too, are pluripotent, is causing many scientists to rethink their support for embryonic stem cell research. Senator Frist, please support good science, good ethics, and good public policy."




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Family Research Council


Biotechnology News at Arizona Biotech Arizona Biotech News - BioTech News at Arizona Biotech - Arizona Biotechnology News
Biotech News

Arizona Biotech

Biotech News

Arizona Entrepreneurs

Arizona High Tech