'Stem cell decision not easy'
2001-07-24 14:19
Rome - President Bush on Monday said his
administration has been "unusually deliberative" in mulling
whether to fund embryonic stem cell research, and said he would
take Pope John Paul's view into consideration as he makes up
his mind.
After meeting the Pope, who warned Bush of the "evils" of
stem cell research using embryos, the president told reporters
he was spending a good deal of time trying to fully understand
the issue.
"It is an issue that, on the one hand, deals with so much
hope - hope that perhaps through research and development we'll
be able to save lives," Bush said during a joint news
conference with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
"It's also an issue that has got serious moral
implications, and our nation must think carefully before we
proceed," he said. "And therefore, my process has been,
frankly, unusually deliberative for my administration. I'm
taking my time."
The decision whether or not to fund the research pits those
who believe stem cell research can lead to medical advances in
a variety of illnesses against those opposed to any research
that destroys human embryos.
Embryonic stem cells are primitive master cells that have
the ability to transform themselves into virtually any type of
cell in the body. They offer the potential of regenerating
damaged organs and tissue.
The Catholic Church condemns stem cell research using
embryos because they are destroyed in the process, but does not
oppose other forms of stem cell research where cells are taken
from body tissues and life is not threatened.
In a speech woven around the theme of respect for life, the
Pope made a clear reference to stem cell research. He spoke of
"evils such as euthanasia, infanticide and, most recently,
proposals for the creation for research purposes of human
embryos, destined to destruction in the process."
By speaking out specifically against stem cell research
concerning embryos, the Pope appeared to leave manoeuvring room
for Bush.
Stem cells can come from human foetal tissue following an
abortion; from human embryos created by in vitro fertilisation,
whether for reproductive or research purposes; or they can be
generated asexually by cloning techniques. Stem cells can also
be collected from adult tissues, such as bone marrow, and from
blood collected from the umbilical cords of new-borns. Those
stem cells derived from embryos are thought to be the most
promising in terms of generating a variety of tissues.
Bush has said the issue was "beyond politics".
"I, frankly, do not care what the political polls say. I do
care about the opinions of people, particularly someone as
profound as the Holy Father," Bush said. "Of course I'll take
that point of view into consideration as I make up my mind on a
very difficult issue confronting the United States of America.
"It's the need to balance value and respect for life with
the promise of science and the hope of saving life."
Bush said he would continue to listen to differing points
of view and make up his mind "when I'm ready to".