 |
 |
THOUGHT THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST. Kathy Ogden -----Original Message----- From: Nightline [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2001 10:33 AM To: Nightline Mailing List Subject: NIGHTLINE: Conservatives Divided on Stem Cell Research TONIGHT'S FOCUS: A new research technique holds possible hope for breakthrough treatments for diseases like Parkinson's, diabetes, even heart disease. The research involves stem-cells taken from human embryonic tissue. Not surprisingly, this is causing a huge debate in the Bush Administration - with many abortion foes saying the research should not be federally funded and others saying it holds such promise it should be allowed. ---- When does life begin? That question is at the heart of the abortion debate and now permeates the debate over a controversial new medical research technique. Former President Clinton endorsed federal funding for this new treatment technique. Now President Bush must decide whether to let it go forward. The tissue used in this research is often taken from embryos discarded by couples using in-vitro fertilization. Anti-abortion supporters say this tissue is the essence of human life and therefore holds inalienable rights and should not be destroyed. Stem cells taken from this embryonic tissue are believed by some scientists to be capable of developing into liver cells, brain cells, heart cells and other types when transplanted into those parts of the body. Though only in the earliest research stages, some scientists believe these stem cells can be manipulated as treatments for several of our most devastating diseases. The choice is a difficult one for President Bush, despite his very clearly stated opposition to abortion. Some abortion opponents, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, support the stem cell research nonetheless, because it holds such hope for so many dreaded diseases. The administration is expected to make its decision by late June or early July. Until then, the debate will continue. One important note: regardless of the Bush decision, some stem cell research will continue in privately-funded laboratories and abroad. Federal funding would at best increase the number of scientists working on this research and perhaps the speed with which its efficacy is discovered. Sara Just Senior Producer ABC News NIGHTLINE Washington bureau ----------- If you have questions or comments regarding this message or a recent "Nightline" broadcast, please do not hit reply; simply click on this link to send your message directly to the "Nightline" staff: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/nightline/Nightline/Nightline_email_form.html Or log on to the new "Nightline" Message Board: http://boards.go.com/cgi/abcnews/request.dll?LIST&room=nightline Chat with "Nightline" guests and find articles, transcripts and video excerpts on our Web site at: http://abcnews.go.com/Sections/Nightline/ You can unsubscribe to the "Nightline" e-mail at: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/nightline/dailynews/nightlineunsubscribe.html Ask your friends to sign up! Send them this link: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/nightline/DailyNews/nightline_login.html