by Allie Martin and Bill Fancher
(AgapePress) – Just one day after it was announced that scientists in Richmond, Virginia, have created scores of human embryos to harvest stem cells, a firm in Massachusetts has announced it is trying to create cloned human embryos for stem cell research.
Scientists and ethicists affiliated with the Worcester-based Advanced Cell Technology have started a series of experiments aimed at creating cloned human embryos for the purpose of harvesting embryonic stem cells. According to The Washington Post, company officials believe that cloning will lead to the most practical and ethical means of producing stem cells, which many doctors believe hold great promise for treatment of various illnesses.
Pro-life groups are hopeful the announcement by the Massachusetts firm will put extra pressure on President George W. Bush, who is considering how to settle a national debate over whether federal funds should be used for any research on embryonic stem cells.
Presidential spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters Wednesday what President Bush thinks of the Richmond group.
“The revelation that there are groups that are now creating stem cells for the sole purpose of research is a perfect illustration of the deep complexities that our society faces as a result of science and life,” Fleischer said. “Even scientists who are involved in stem cell research have raised questions about what took place in Virginia.”
“The President views this as a reminder that this is not a simple matter, that this is a matter that involves very sensitive and important issues that involve questions that are fundamental about life, about preserving life, with science on the other hand.”
Bush is expected to announce his decision regarding tax funding of embryonic stem cell research any day.
(This update courtesy of Agape Press.)
