Stem Cell Research Update |
President Vetoes Stem Cell Research Bill |
July 24, 2006
On July 19, President Bush issued the first veto of his presidency by vetoing stem cell research legislation, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 H.R. 810.
Background
On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced that only those stem cell lines derived before that date were eligible for federally funded research. The policy placed extremely serious limitations on embryonic stem cell research in this country. Although it was estimated that 60-80 cell lines would be available, only 22 cell lines produced before the policy announcement are actually useable.
According to the National Institutes of Health, embryonic stem cells have the unique potential to differentiate into any human cell type and offer real hope of life-affirming treatments for those diagnosed with disease such as diabetes, damaged heart tissue, arthritis, Parkinson’s, ALS and spinal cord injuries. There is also the possibility that these cells could be used to create more complex organ structures that could replace diseased vital organs, such as kidneys, livers, or even hearts.
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act H.R. 810 was introduced by Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) to expand the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research, thereby accelerating scientific progress toward cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases and debilitating health conditions. The House passed the bill on May 24, 2005 by a vote of 238-194 and the Senate passed the same bill on July 18, 2006, by a vote of 63-37.
Under the legislation passed by Congress, the restrictions would be lifted and stem cell lines would be eligible for federally funded research regardless of the date on which they were derived. Unfortunately, even after bipartisan Congressional support with an overwhelming number of Members of Congress voting for the legislation and with 72% of the country supporting stem cell research, President Bush vetoed the legislation. During the veto ceremony, President Bush stated, “H.R. 810 would overturn my Administration’s balanced policy on embryonic stem cell research. If this bill were to become law, American taxpayers for the first time in our history would be compelled to fund the deliberate destruction of human embryos”.
The House of Representatives could not muster enough votes for the veto override. The veto override vote was 235-193. A two-thirds vote was needed to override the veto.
NASW Position
While NASW recognizes the significant ethical issues that are raised about embryonic stem cell research and we respect the view of those who oppose such research, NASW believes that stem cell research shows great promise, both for persons suffering from a range of illnesses and for streamlining and expediting the development of new medications. Due to the long-term possible benefits of stem cell research and its lifesaving potential, we support the ethical advance of such medical progress and will continue to support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. |
About
NASW