Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research Without Destroying Embryos

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 10 Mar 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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"It is both immoral and scientifically unnecessary to destroy human embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells, so I was disappointed by President Obama's Executive Order today," said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, who is the only Member of Congress with a PhD in Human Physiology. "I can not support the destruction of innocent human life for the potential benefit of society, especially when I know that it's unnecessary to harm or kill embryos to engage in embryonic stem cell research."

The Dickey-Wicker amendment remains in place so that without legislation, federal funds can not be used to destroy embryos to create new stem lines," noted Congressman Bartlett. "I am glad that the President said he would not take a position on this small and fragile protection of human embryos."

"I have a 100% pro-life voting record," said Congressman Bartlett. "Every human embryo is unique and could become the next Madame Curie or Albert Einstein which is why I oppose destructive embryonic stem cell research. I do support using federal taxpayers' dollars for non-destructive embryonic stem cell research. That is a path that respects both the uniqueness and sanctity of every human life as well as scientific progress."

Congressman Bartlett explained, "Because of my advanced coursework in embryology as part of my doctoral studies in human physiology, I knew it was theoretically possible to remove a few cells from an early stage embryo that could be used to produce a stem cell line without creating a clone or harming the embryo's ability to develop into a baby. I first proposed this in 2001 which was acknowledged by President Bush's Council on Bioethics in their white paper on stem cell research. A repair kit for the child might also be produced from these cells."

"I revere both life and the advancement of knowledge through science," said Congressman Bartlett. "The research regressing adult skin cells backward to an embryonic-like state and then forward to produce other types of cells and tissues is also very exciting. It holds much promise as an alternative ethical path. However, if you will talk to the researchers and the experts in this area as I have, they will tell you that the potential for embryonic stem cell application to medicine should be greater than adult stem cell applications because embryonic stem cells can produce anything and everything that is in the body. That is why it is important to pursue non-destructive ethical embryonic stem cell research."

http://bartlett.house.gov

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