Ideology Trumps Science and Health On Stem Cell Research

President Bush's 2001 executive order limiting federal funding and control over stem cell research was a misguided and harmful rejection of science in the name of conservative ideology. This is not about abortion or babies. This is about using nature and science to save people's lives and offer hope to millions of suffering Americans.

• Stem cell research is a scientifically sound and ethically moral way to discover new and potentially life-saving treatments. By limiting the available lines of stem cells for research, President Bush effectively cut off innovative approaches for treating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes as well as spinal injuries, heart disease and muscular dystrophy. It's hard to affirm life when denying opportunities that could save millions of lives in America and around the world.
• A bipartisan coalition wants President Bush to reverse his stance on stem cell research. Consensus on the importance of stem cell research is rapidly emerging. Fifty-eight senators, including 14 Republicans, sent President Bush a letter this week urging him to expand the available lines of stem cells. They join 206 of their fellow lawmakers in the House – including 36 Republicans - who called upon him to do so in April.
• Nothing would honor former President Reagan more – and offer hope to millions of Alzheimer's patients – than expanding federal funding of stem cell research. First Lady Nancy Reagan is a staunch advocate for embryonic stem-cell research and has stated, "Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp. I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this." President Bush should heed the former first lady's wisdom on this important issue.

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