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U.S. Senator Santorum Comments on House Passage of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
May 24, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Christine Shott, 202-224-0610
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the House of Representatives passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005:
“I am disheartened to see that the House of Representatives has voted in favor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which funds research that destroys human embryos. I do not support taxpayer funding for scientific research that involves the destruction of human embryos or that is based on the prior destruction of human life. It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the amount of funding private entities can spend on embryonic stem cell research. I believe the government should encourage life-saving research, but should focus on science that both works and is ethical.
I believe scientists pursue ways of obtaining embryonic stem cells, or embryonic–like stem cells without either creating or destroying a human embryo. The President’s Council on Bioethics recently published report including several potential alternatives to research requiring the destruction of an embryo. One of these alternatives is Altered Nuclear Transfer, which may be a scientifically feasible and ethical way to produce embryonic-like stem cells without actually creating or destroying embryos.
I am pleased to see the House pass the Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Act of 2005, which will make genetically matched cord blood stem cells more available to patients who need them. Cord blood stem cells are one example of an ethical and viable means to treat patients and cure disease. At the very least, this type of research should receive federal funding before we spend taxpayer dollars to destroy human embryos.
In addition to umbilical cord blood, other adult stem cell research has shown promise in helping to cure people, without having to destroy human life in the process. Adult and other post-natal stem cells have been successful alternatives to embryonic stem cells and are extracted from such non-controversial sources such as placentas, fat, cadaver brains, bone marrow, and tissues of the spleen, pancreas, and other organs. These alternative cell therapies are already being used to treat cartilage defects in children, systemic lupus, and spinal cord injuries, and are helping to restore vision to patients who were legally blind.
I am pleased to hear that President Bush has vowed to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to support funding for ethical alternatives to embryonic stem cell research.”
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