Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006
FETUS FARMING PROHIBITION ACT OF 2006 -- (Senate - July 18, 2006)
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Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, stem cell research has brought to the forefront the longstanding debate between bioethics and advancements in medical science. Stem cell research evokes hope in scientific progress while at the same time reminding us of its ethical hazards. Unquestionably, this is one of the most difficult public policy issues the Senate has discussed in many years.
I wish to make it very clear that I do not oppose stem cell research. I support and encourage research that uses cells derived from adult tissues and umbilical-cord blood and hope that an alternative source of embryonic stem cells, one that does not destroy embryos, can be found. I believe that it is possible to advance scientific research without violating ethical principles. It is my intention to support the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act, S. 2754, which will support the use and further development of techniques for producing pluripotent cells like those derived from embryos but without harming or destroying human life.
After much reflection on this issue, I have determined that I personally cannot support H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Taking stem cells from an embryo kills that embryo, and destroying human life is never justified even if it is done in order to benefit others. Obtaining good for oneself at the cost of another is contrary to my deepest held moral beliefs.
I do not believe the American public should have to fund research that many find morally objectionable. The future of this research does not require a policy of Federal funding. There is no ban on private funding of embryonic stem cell research, and there are other resources available to fund this type of research. The State of California has even chosen to use State taxpayer funds for embryonic stem cell research.
It is also my intent to support S. 3504, the Fetus Farming Prohibition bill. This bill would make it illegal to perform research on embryos from ``fetal farms,'' where human embryos could be gestated in a nonhuman uterus or from human pregnancies created specifically for the purpose of research.
Although it is often portrayed as such, the debate over embryonic stem cell research is not easily reduced to simple positions in support or opposition. Good people can and do disagree on this very complex issue. It is my belief that by pursuing the appropriate scientific techniques we can alleviate human suffering and also preserve the sanctity of human life, and it is for these reasons that I cast my vote today.
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