Pro-Lifers Embrace Stem Cell Proposal
by Bill Fancher
Pro-lifers are cheering the introduction of a new bill that would end embryonic stem cell research.
New Jersey Republican Representative Chris Smith has introduced the Responsible Stem Cell Research Act of 2001. The bill requires stem cells be taken from adults, or umbilical cord and placenta blood obtained from live births, rather than from human embryos that are robbed of their stem cells and then discarded.
Smith says the bill provides $30 million for this more ethical research. “This money would be used as the [National Institutes of Health] sees fit to strengthen and enhance the stem cell work they have begun, add more intramural stem cell research, and provide grants to those scientists who are so close to breaking through on so many diseases,” he says.
Smith’s bill has other aspects as well. “Our bill also sets up a national adult stem cell donor bank,” he says. “I bet that most of you may not be aware that the umbilical cords that hospitals usually toss in the trash after birth are an amazing source of stem cells.”
Pro-life groups are urging support for this bill which will prevent tax funding of human embryonic stem cell research. Smith has 45 co-sponsors, both Democrat and Republican.
A pro-life leader has challenged several Catholic leaders in the U.S. Senate who are pro-abortion.
Judie Brown of the American Life League is upset with the brand of Catholicism she sees in the Senate. Brown says with the Democrats now controlling the United States Senate, “we have individual human beings who claim to be Catholic and yet [are] totally dedicated to abortion-on-demand in their daily activities on Capitol Hill.”
Brown says the examples are many, describing Senators Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, and Joseph Biden of Delaware as “staunch pro-abortion advocates.” She also had harsh words for the new Senate Majority Leader. “Tom Daschle … never met an abortion he didn't like — and yet he claims that he is a practicing Catholic, quote-unquote.”
Brown says she finds that “extremely detrimental” to the public perception of Catholics, the teachings of the Catholic church, and the cause of life.
(This update courtesy of Agape Press.)
