In the Public Square

By staff - Mar 13, 2007 - comment

Senate May Vote on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding

Embryonic stem cell research requires human embryos to be killed. The U.S Senate has plans to use your tax money to do just that!

If you agree that taxpayers should not have to fund research that requires killing human embryos, please tell your senators to vote against S. 5. The capitol switch board phone number is 202-224-3121. (The operator will connect you to your senator even if you’re not sure who it is!)

What would this legislation do?

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S. 5) would extend funding to research on embryos beyond the existing stem cell lines already in existence at the time of President Bush’s executive order (August 9, 2001), which forbids federal taxpayer dollars from funding embryonic stem cell research.

What has happened prior to this proposed Senate bill?

As part of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) first 100 hours, the House passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 3) by a 253 to 174 vote.

What is wrong with embryonic stem cell research?

Embryonic stem cell research necessitates the killing of human embryos in order to derive their stem cells. Adult stem cell research, however, uses bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, fat, and placentas, and does not have the byproduct of harming or destroying human life. In addition, adult stem cells are currently used to treat more than 70 ailments, while embryonic stem cells have yielded no human treatments.

What is the President’s stance?

President Bush strongly opposes legislation to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and has announced that he would use his veto power if S. 5 reaches his desk. HOWEVER, it appears Senate support is near the magic number 67, enough to override a veto.

If you agree that taxpayers should not have to fund research that requires killing human embryos, please tell your senators to vote against S. 5.

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Further Learning

Learn more about: Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Church and State, Legislation, Science, Bioethics

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