Expansionary Institute

Michael Zey
futurist3000@aol.com

Stem-cell decision not easy, Bush says

By Deborah Charles

 
ROME, July 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President George Bush said on Monday his administration has been "unusually deliberative" over whether to fund embryonic stem-cell research and said he would take Pope John Paul's views into consideration.

After meeting the pope, who warned of the "evils" of stem- cell research using embryos, Bush 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 issue pits those who believe stem-cell research can bring 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 or tissue.

CONDEMNS

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 embryo stem-cell research he appeared to leave some manoeuvring room for Bush, a Methodist, who has been courting Catholics -- a large and potent swing group in the U.S. electorate.

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.

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."

First lady Laura Bush, who also met the pope but was not included in his private discussions with her husband, was asked by NBC's "Today Show" if Bush had been swayed by the pope.

"He (Bush) is looking at every side of this issue. This is a very serious issue. He will make a very serious and reasoned judgment when he does," she said.

Mrs Bush said she had discussed the issue with her husband but declined to indicate where she stood on the subject.

15:25 07-23-01
Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.  Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.  Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon