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HHS Stem Cell Review Leaves Opponents Anxious By Cheryl K. Chumley CNS Staff Writer February 26, 2001 (CNSNews.com) - Embryonic research opponents are holding their breath, wondering whether President George W. Bush will take their side in the controversy or let his new health and human services secretary decide administration policy. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has what pro- life groups consider a checkered past with regard to stem cell research. Pro-lifers view the use of stem cells, which are obtained from frozen embryos, as the killing of a human baby. "In 1999, Governor Thompson praised the director at the University of Wisconsin who developed the technique of killing these tiny, little people," said Colleen Parro, director of the Republican National Coalition for Life in Dallas, Tex. "He's also enthusiastic about the biomedical field in general." Thompson is now seen as a threat to compromising Bush's pro-life commitments, in that he could sway the president into accepting measures that allow for taxpayer funded stem cell research. "It is a concern," said American Life League's Scott Weinberg, of Bush's decision to shift the issue to HHS for consideration. "Our concerns about [HHS Secretary] Tommy Thompson have been pretty clear. He's so passionate about genetics and embryonic research." Spokespeople at HHS did not return a telephone call seeking clarification of Thompson's views on the issue. During the 2000 campaign, Bush spokespeople commented on the then- presidential candidate's aversion to "stem cell research that involved human embryos," Parro said, leading many to believe the Texas governor was also opposed to federally funding the medical procedure. As president, Bush has also reportedly given "indications ... that he might issue an executive order banning federal funding of such research," political analyst Morton Kondracke reported in early February. Those "indications," however, may no longer be accurate since the president asked for Thompson's input and, by extension, gave supporters of the research a second chance to cite the importance of embryonic studies. The research, advocates claim, is crucial to the prevention or cure of such maladies as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, birth defects, burn injuries, and cancer. To conservative groups, though, the anticipated benefits from stem cell research do not justify what they consider the killing of human life. They also wonder whether Bush's recent solicitation of Thompson reflect a softening of his pro-life stance. "We're waiting," Parro said. "We're certainly willing to give him a chance to show he meant what he said when he said he was pro-life. We just want him to live up to his self-description that he's a pro-life president." http://www.cnsnews.com/Culture.asp ************