Last year President Bush vetoed legislation that would have provided federal funding for destructive embryonic stem cell research (ESCR).  Concerned Women for America (CWA) continues to oppose research using human embryos as commodities, and the Project 535 volunteer lobbyists spent February 28 communicating that message to the Senate as it prepares to take up the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5).

In January the House passed its version of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 3) in a 253-174 vote.  The Senate is now debating considering the issue, and CWA is frustrated that Congress continues to force votes on ethically objectionable legislation that has already been vetoed by the President.

The controversy surrounding the destruction of embryos for research has raged for years, while breakthroughs using adult, amniotic and umbilical cord blood as rich sources for stem cells have continued to increase.  Doctors have made amazing advances against diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and heart disease using their patients’ own stem cells.  To date there have been over 72 successful treatments of a variety of diseases using adult stem cells.  CWA believes that Congress is wasting time and resources by continuing to push for funding of unethical ESCR when remarkable progress is already being made without destroying human life.

CWA President Wendy Wright said, “Allowing unethical research that kills small human beings is apparently not enough for some. They insist that all Americans must be complicit by paying for it, even though superior alternatives — which are ethical and effective — not only exist but are already treating patients.  Since ethical alternatives exist, this bill is about playing politics, not helping patients.”

The Project 535 lobbyists reiterated the remarkable success of research that does not destroy life as they met with over 50 Senate offices in anticipation of the chamber’s consideration of S. 5.

Despite the likely passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act by both chambers, CWA is working to help secure enough votes to sustain the veto that President Bush is almost certain to give to any legislation that comes across his desk in support of unethical research.