Text 3047, 79 rader
Skriven 2006-07-19 23:34:58 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0607195) for Wed, 2006 Jul 19
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President Vetoes H.R. 810, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005"
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 19, 2006

Message to the House of Representatives


˙˙˙˙˙ President Discusses Stem Cell Research Policy ˙˙˙˙˙ Fact Sheet:
President Bush's Stem Cell Research Policy

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 810, the "Stem Cell
Research Enhancement Act of 2005."

Like all Americans, I believe our Nation must vigorously pursue the
tremendous possibilities that science offers to cure disease and improve
the lives of millions. Yet, as science brings us ever closer to unlocking
the secrets of human biology, it also offers temptations to manipulate
human life and violate human dignity. Our conscience and history as a
Nation demand that we resist this temptation. With the right scientific
techniques and the right policies, we can achieve scientific progress while
living up to our ethical responsibilities.

In 2001, I set forth a new policy on stem cell research that struck a
balance between the needs of science and the demands of conscience. When I
took office, there was no Federal funding for human embryonic stem cell
research. Under the policy I announced 5 years ago, my Administration
became the first to make Federal funds available for this research, but
only on embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos that had already
been destroyed. My Administration has made available more than $90 million
for research of these lines. This policy has allowed important research to
go forward and has allowed America to continue to lead the world in
embryonic stem cell research without encouraging the further destruction of
living human embryos.

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. Crossing this line would be a grave mistake
and would needlessly encourage a conflict between science and ethics that
can only do damage to both and harm our Nation as a whole.

Advances in research show that stem cell science can progress in an ethical
way. Since I announced my policy in 2001, my Administration has expanded
funding of research into stem cells that can be drawn from children,
adults, and the blood in umbilical cords with no harm to the donor, and
these stem cells are currently being used in medical treatments. Science
also offers the hope that we may one day enjoy the potential benefits of
embryonic stem cells without destroying human life. Researchers are
investigating new techniques that might allow doctors and scientists to
produce stem cells just as versatile as those derived from human embryos
without harming life. We must continue to explore these hopeful
alternatives, so we can advance the cause of scientific research while
staying true to the ideals of a decent and humane society.

I hold to the principle that we can harness the promise of technology
without becoming slaves to technology and ensure that science serves the
cause of humanity. If we are to find the right ways to advance ethical
medical research, we must also be willing when necessary to reject the
wrong ways. For that reason, I must veto this bill.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

July 19, 2006.

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