Senator Frist Supports Destructive Research on Human Embryos
Senator Bill Frist, the Senate Majority Leader, has come out in favor of H.R. 810, a bill which would expand the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research even though President Bush has threatened to veto this legislation. [Source: Prolifeblogs]
Interestingly, Frist states, "I am pro-life... I believe human life begins at conception." Yet, he backs research that involves that destruction of the very lives he claims are valuable on the basis of unproven "cures" for chronic illnesses.
The 17,000 member Christian Medical Association, headquartered in Tennessee, responded quickly to Frist's announcement.
"We deeply regret Sen. Frist's endorsement of an embryonic stem cell research policy that would turn living human beings into commodities for exploitation," said CMA Executive Director David Stevens, M.D. "We have appreciated the senator's thoughtful and principled stances on life issues in the past and are extremely disappointed to see what we consider a crucial moral lapse on this critical issue."
"As physicians, we understand the pressure to seek treatments from all possible sources, but we must remain committed to insuring that life-honoring ethics guide our decisions. Treating living human embryos as mere fodder for experimentation crosses a vital ethical line and contravenes the sanctity of human life.
"The ends never justifies the means. Seeking cures for patients is an admirable goal, but it must never be done at the expense of other human lives.
"We continue to respect Dr. Frist as a colleague and friend, but we must condemn any policy that devalues the sanctity of human life."
stem cells
Posted July 29, 2005 11:06 AM
