AP: House resumes stem cell research debate

[Eugene]

House resumes stem cell research debate

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 22 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The author of a study on amniotic stem cells urged Congress on Tuesday
not to consider his work a substitute for the search for disease-fighting material
from embryonic stem cells.

"Some may be interpreting my research as a substitute for the need to pursue other
forms of regenerative medicine therapies, such as those involving embryonic stem cells.
I disagree with that assertion," wrote Anthony Atala of Wake Forest University, the
author of a study published this week and widely seized upon by opponents of embryonic
stem cell research as a more moral option.

-snip-

The bill, which would clear the way for federally funded embryonic research, is expected
to pass but without the required 2/3 majority required to override Bush's expected veto.
Sen. Tom Harkin (news, bio, voting record), D-Iowa, said he expects same bill to reach
that veto-proof threshold when it comes up in his chamber in a few weeks.

Atala's study and the letter add a dose of drama to round two of Congress' battle with
President Bush over whether taxpayers should fund embryonic stem cell research. Bush and
a minority of Americans say believe the research is immoral because the process of culling
the stem cells kills the embryo.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070109/ap_on_go_co/stem_cells

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I'm glad Atala spoke up

because I'm sure the wingers would be saying there's no need for stem cell research now if he hadn't.