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The TOP story today on The Early Show was Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announcing his support for embryonic stem cell research. Being both an MD and a respected part of the Bush administration (Ahem - from Tennesssee, I might add! ) this (in my opinion) is VERY promising news! HR810, "Stem Cell Enhancement Act of 2005," the bill recently passed by the House, freeing up the use of excess embryos stored in fertility clinics, is being debated to be passed AS IS on the Senate side. Today/s CNN headline and an excerpt reads: [b]Frist backs increased federal stem cell funding[/b] [i]"Now is the time to expand the president's policy because it's promising research, but it must be done in a way that is ethically considerate, that respects the dignity of human life," said Frist, who also is a heart- and lung-transplant surgeon.[/i] http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/07/29/frist.stem.cells.ap/index.html This is a compromise between ethical use of embryonic stem cells and the religious objectors. It takes MILLIONS of stem cells to conduct this promising research (which has shown more promise than hundreds of other research projects that have been funded); and the use of undifferentiated stem cells shortens t he path (undifferentiated means the cells have not been "programmed" to become any specific tissue, allowing the cells to be used more easily for growing brain, skin, heart, etc. cells ). In this particular bill the excess embryos (now stored frozen) will be no more than 4-5 days in development - the size of a pin-head - and written permission must be obtained from those contributing the sperm and egg for their creation "outside the womb." There will still be those who do not feel this is ethical (and I respect this), but it means that strict guidelines for the use of such cells must be formulated - which is MUCH needed. As said before, I am pro-life (anti-abortion), Christian, and tickled to death to have Dr. Frist boldly come forth with th is decision! Peggy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn