Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Research bill

[John]

WASHINGTON — President Bush vetoed legislation Wednesday that would have allowed the use of federal funds to support embryonic stem-cell research, the second consecutive year he has blocked such a bill.

Proponents of the research say embryonic stem cells, which can turn into cells for many different kinds of human tissue, offer the best chance of treating or curing many fatal and debilitating diseases. But opponents, such as Bush, argue that research on the cells effectively destroys a human life.

"Destroying human life in the hopes of saving human life is not ethical, and it is not the only option before us," said Bush, who issued an executive order to the National Institutes of Health asking scientists to pursue research on stem cells that "are derived without creating a human embryo for research purposes or destroying, discarding, or subjecting to harm a human embryo or fetus."

Critics accused the president of using the executive order, which does not need congressional approval, to give the appearance of supporting stem-cell research when in fact he has been holding it back.

The stem-cell bill passed both houses of Congress with strong majorities, but a veto override would require a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The Senate appears to be one vote shy, and the House is about 35 votes short.

Also Wednesday, a survey published in the online edition of the journal Science suggests that a majority of couples with stored embryos from fertility treatments would be willing to donate their unused embryos for stem-cell research.

In the survey of more than 1,000 couples at nine fertility centers around the country, 49 percent said they were likely to donate some or all of the unused embryos for research. When asked about stem-cell research, the portion willing to donate embryos rose to 62 percent.
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Me: Dammit, this sucks. My grandfather died from parkinsons, which is one of the diseases expected to be curable by stem cell research continuing.

I'm not of the same gene pool, but I couldn't imagine anyone supporting this that has a family member suffering from any of the stem cell research diseases that are expected to be cured.

Need more info?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell

[Anonymous]

dont worry about it.. in 2008 when they will be no republicans in D.C. it'll get passed. bush is just waiting til '08 so he can get back to his gas companies and price gouge the american people

[fanatacist]

I'm an advocate of stem cell research. Probably because I'm atheist though.

... This reminds me of the debates in the old forums...

[Anonymous]

i support it too.. hell maybe in can cure cancer if they put more time and research into it.

[fanatacist]

I don't know if stem cell research can cure cancer as much as it can help remove the organ safely with a replacement, but whatever.

[BNU-Judge]

John thought you said you wouldn't allow a debate section on the forums?

... This reminds me of the debates in the old forums...

Me to, ooh the memory's

[fanatacist]

John vs Hazard anyone? Hazard vs fanatacist on WWII Polish involvement?

[John]

Hazard won't be back.

[fanatacist]

Aw ):

[Rockman]

Hazard, seriosly, I have trouble remembering who that was.  I have a feeling of dislike towards him, but for some reason I can't remember why?  I hate that feeling!

[fanatacist]

He was the acne-covered militant former BNU member that liked to argue with John, DW, and I over random things on the forums. His avatar was the ace of spades on top of some colored discs.

[BNU-Judge]

John, why not just make a debate section? instead of putting this in random news.

[John]

This WAS a news post. It turned into a debate.

[fanatacist]

It was never really a debate since no one is arguing my point of view really.

[Bnu-Sorceress]

hazard was banned before he even got to come to the forums . too bad, he did instigate arguements but he knew what he was talking about.