GOP Primary Candidates For U.S. Senate Seat In N.M. Differ On Stem Cell Research Views

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 26 May 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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The AP/Las Cruces Sun-News on Wednesday examined how Reps. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) and Heather Wilson (R-N.M.) have differing views and voting records on legislation related to human embryonic stem cell research. Pearce and Wilson are competing for the Republican nomination for one of New Mexico's U.S. Senate seats.

According to the AP/Sun-News, Wilson supports embryonic stem cell research, while Pearce opposes the research. Wilson voted in favor of legislation vetoed by President Bush that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Pearce voted against the measure, according to the AP/Sun-News.

In addition, Pearce and Wilson cast different votes on the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007, which would have prohibited the use of cloning technology for fertilization. Pearce opposed the bill because it did not ban cloning of embryos for stem cell research. Wilson supported the measure.

Pearce also has criticized Wilson's opposition to a bill that would have halted the testing and development of the medication abortion drug mifepristone. Although Wilson is opposed to abortion rights, she said she opposed the measure because she did not believe Congress should vote to override FDA's approval of a particular drug.

Comments, Endorsements

Wilson said that embryonic stem cell research "is one of those areas where morality and law intersect." She added, "If you're going to be pro-life, as I am, you're going to be pro-life for people who are living with and facing terrible diseases today." Pearce said he is opposed to all research that "involves the killing of the embryo" but supports adult stem cell research, saying "real advances are ones that don't require that ethical breach."

Right to Life Committee of New Mexico Executive Director Dauneen Dolce has said that Pearce is "pro-life," while Wilson "is not." Dolce added that Wilson "is not being fair" in representing herself as "pro-life." The National Right to Life Committee endorsed Pearce in the primary election despite endorsing Wilson in her earlier campaigns. Pearce also has been endorsed by the group Susan B. Anthony List, which supports antiabortion candidates (Clark, AP/Las Cruces Sun-News, 5/21).

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