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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CBHD Troubled by Frist Announcement Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Chicago, Illinois - July 29, 2005 - The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD) is deeply troubled by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s announcement supporting a revision to the current policy on government funding for embryonic stem cell research.

John Kilner, CBHD President, said, “Senator Frist soundly affirms that embryos are human life warranting the ‘utmost dignity and respect.’ But then he maintains that it is okay to kill them if other people can benefit. The implication is that human beings can be killed if others can benefit. The danger here is glaring!”

“It’s simply not consistent with the life affirming ethic to use the weakest members of our human family for purposes of research,” said C. Ben Mitchell, CBHD Senior Fellow. “It is never acceptable for the government to kill unwanted children. Abandonment is not a warrant for embryo-destructive research.”

"Senator Frist’s statement that embryonic stem cells can meet medical needs that cannot be met by adult stem cells is wishful thinking,” said Nigel Cameron, Senior Fellow at CBHD. “To date, more than 60 ailments in human patients have benefited from adult stem cell treatments. Anything said about the benefits of embryonic stem cells is merely speculation.”

“It is simply unnecessary to spend federal tax dollars on embryo-destructive research when there are many cell lines available,” said C. Ben Mitchell, CBHD Senior Fellow. “The number now available in the form of self-perpetuating cell lines is 22 and growing. Many other samples, now in frozen storage, are available for future use if the currently active cell lines deteriorate or become inadequate for basic research. Many of these lines were isolated without animal feeder cells, and could be cultured on human cell layers now that this technique has been developed.”

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About The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is a 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 2005 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.