WASHINGTON, July 12, 2001 (LSN.ca) – White House press secretary Ari Fleischer was bombarded with questions from the media this week regarding President Bush’s eagerly awaited decision on embryonic stem cell research. At a press conference yesterday where the bulk of the questions centered around stem cells, Fleisher confirmed that he was asked by reporters Monday “when the President believed that life begins.” Fleisher did not respond immediately but sent an email to reporters later that day indicating that the President believed life beings “at conception.”
One reporter yesterday asked if the President continues to believe that in light of the meetings he has had with scientists and other interested parties over the last few days. Fleisher responded, “Yes.”
Fleischer said that there was no available timetable on the forthcoming decision. He indicated that the President has not yet made a decision on the issue and his private consultations are ongoing.
See the whole press briefing at: https://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/0711-133.html