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President George Bush Explains His Position on Stem Cell Research and Culture of Life

Washington, D.C., June 3, 2005., (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a May 31 press conference, U.S. President George W. Bush made reference to several life issues in response to questions fielded by journalists. Mr. Bush reiterated his stand against the creation of embryos to be used to harvest embryonic stem cells for research and also confirmed his desire to build a culture of life in all its aspects.

During the press conference a journalist asked in reference to “spare embryos”: “what is your view of fertility treatments that routinely create more embryos than ever result in full-term pregnancies? And what do you believe should be done with those embryos that never do become pregnancies or result in the birth of a child?”

The President responded by saying “I also had an event here at the White House with little babies that had been born as a result of the embryos that had been frozen -- they're called "snowflakes" -- indicating there's an alternative to the destruction of life.” The President then focused on the issue of federal funding.

“But the stem cell issue,” said Mr. Bush, “is really one of federal funding. That's the issue before us. And that is whether or not we use taxpayers' money to destroy life in order to hopefully find a cure for terrible disease. And I have made my position very clear on that issue -- and that is I don't believe we should. Now, I made a decision a while ago that said there had been some existing stem cells and, therefore, it was okay to use federal funds on those because the life decision had already been made. But from that point going forward, I felt it was best to stand on principle -- and that is taxpayers' money to use -- for the use -- for the use of experimentation that would destroy life is a principle that violates something I -- I mean, is a position that violates a principle of mine. And so -- and I stand strong on that, to the point where I'll veto the bill as it now exists.”

President Bush admitted however that there is federal embryonic stem cell research going on involving over 600 experiments “based upon the stem cell lines that existed prior to my decision. There's another 3,000 potential experiments, they tell me, that can go forward. There's a lot of research going on, on adult stem cell research. We've got an ethics panel that has been -- that is in place, that will help us, hopefully, develop ways to continue to figure out how to meet the demands of science and the need for ethics so that we can help solve some of these diseases.”

The President tried to convey his understanding towards parents whose children are ill and see stem cell research as a glimmer of hope, saying “I understand the folks that are deeply concerned for their -- a child who might have juvenile diabetes. I know that the moms and dads across the country are in agony about the fate of their child. And my message to them is, is that there is research going on and hopefully we'll find the cure. But at the same time, it's important in the society to balance ethics and science.”

Further into the question and answer segment of his press conference the President was asked by a reporter about the phrase “culture of life.”
“You often talk about a culture of life,” asked the reporter, “and also about your responsibility as President to lead. Looking forward, what specific policy initiatives will you propose in the balance of your presidency to expand the culture of life?”

The President responded by pointing out the need to care for the less fortunate. “Well, part of it,” said Mr. Bush, “is just to -- is to constantly remind people that we have a responsibility to the less -- to the least of us in our society. I mean, part of a culture of life is to continue to expand the faith-based and community-based initiative to help people who hurt. Part of it is to recognize that in a society that is as blessed as we are that we have a responsibility to help others, such as AIDS victims on the continent of Africa, or people who hunger in sub-Sahara, for example.

So the culture of life is more than just an issue like embryonic stem cell; it's promoting a culture that is mindful that we can help -- to help save lives through compassion. And my administration will continue to do so.”

In regards to the issue of federal research Mr. Bush made a statement on May 24th saying that “Today the House of Representatives is considering a bill that violates the clear standard I set four years ago. This bill would take us across a critical ethical line by creating new incentives for the ongoing destruction of emerging human life. Crossing this line would be a great mistake.” He has consistently warned the Representatives that any attempt to pass the Bill will result in an presidential veto on his part.

President Bush Discusses Embryo Adoption and Stem Cell Research
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/may/05052404.html

President's Press Conference
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050531.html

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