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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CBHD "Disappointed" on Bush's Announcement to Allow Funding for Limited Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Chicago, Illinois - August 9, 2001 - President George W. Bush announced tonight that he will permit federal funding for stem cell research using existing embryonic stem cell lines. Moreover, significant funding will be devoted to research using stem cells from umbilical cord blood, placentas, and other tissues.

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is disappointed that President Bush did not completely ban federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, but is pleased that tax dollars will not be used to fund research requiring the destruction of more human embryos.
C. Ben Mitchell, Ph.D., Senior Fellow of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity said this in response to the President's announcement:

"The President's compromise is disappointing but not entirely disheartening. We should not use tax dollars to fund research which is complicit with embryo destruction. Since human embryos were killed to obtain the stem cell lines, those cells are morally tainted. All the more, this research is likely unnecessary given the tremendous progress in using stem cells from morally unproblematic sources such as umbilical cords, placentas, and adult tissue.

"Fortunately, the President drew a clear line in the sand stating that federal funds would not be used to destroy human embryos. It is unfortunate though that federal money will be used to promote research that, if treatments ever come from it, many conscientious citizens will refuse because it comes from destroyed human embryos. It is better to promote research that all American's can unequivocally support."

For interviews with Center personnel, contact Daniel McConchie at 847-317-8180 or by email at dmcconchie@cbhd.org.

About The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is a 501(c) 3 non-profit think tank located in Chicago, Illinois. Its mission is to develop reasoned perspectives on all of today's bioethical issues and to disseminate them to health care professionals, academia, cultural and church leaders, public policy makers, and the media in order to protect human dignity. CBHD

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Copyright 2003 by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The contents of this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CBHD, its staff, board or supporters. Permission to reprint granted as long as The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity and the web address for this article is referenced.