WASHINGTON, April 29, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – 200 members of the House of Representatives have complained to President Bush that the restrictions placed on the use of human embryos for research are “stifling” medical advances and are petitioning him to loosen the rules. Members from both parties have joined with a lobby of researchers and patients' advocates groups to pressure the government to allow the use of embryonic human beings in research up to the fetal stage. As of August 9, 2001, no taxpayer funding has been available for researche experiments using embryonic humans, however, substantial private funding is available and the research is going forward.
The letter to the president calls for funding for research using more “spare” embryos left over from fertility procedures. It complains that the stem cell lines currently available for publicly funded research are contaminated and not as useful as those in use by overseas researchers. In a statement, Bush spokesman Trent Duffy said that the president “continues to believe” the policy is adequate.
Even a number of Representatives considered to be pro-life have joined in the effort and are signatories to the letter. 36 'pro-life' categorized Republicans are supporting the petition, including Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.)and Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-Calif.) Said Rohrabacher, I'm pro-life. Been pro-life for 14 years. But this is an area in which we can save lives”.