 |
 |
An alternate strategy to consider in dealing with the pro-life challenge to our Udall Bill is to let them win that part. Don't insist that the fed gov must fund fetal tissue research. Secure the big fed $. Much private funding of current PD research could then cover what the Udall Bill doesn't fund, like fetal tissue research. Avoid that battle, but win the war -- find a cure. - The goal is to increase funding for PD as much as possible. Anything that jepardizes that goal may lose the war. - Much private funding now occurs for PD research. If federal funding increases by 4 times, then much of that private funding can be redirected to non-federally funded projects, to fill the gaps. This argument means supporting the edited version of the Udall Bill which removed all fetal tissue clauses. ------------- I completely understand that fetal tissue research has nothing to do with abortion, or the right-to-life issues, etc. I challenge the right-to-lifers to end the need for abortion by them putting their words into action. Instead of picketing clinics, they should adopt all the crack babies, etc.; and, if fetuses are people, they should grant fetuses their full civil rights, including their legal right to donate their organs for transplantation, like everyone else. ------------- Here in Arizona last year, Dr. Melcher, a researcher, tried to pass legislation to allow fetal tissue research within the state. Arizona is among half a dozen states that still insist that all aborted human parts must be trashed, defended by pro-lifers. When the bill was brought up for discussion in our state legislature Health Committee, two representatives, out of about 12, left the room, but returned for the vote. The issue was so sensitive that they could not bear to be in the room to hear the debate. Six of us came to help support the Dr's presentation. We were completely unprepared for the questions which continually meandered around abortion no matter how much we tried to convince them that abortion was not an issue. In that effort, the Dr. made the mistake of not doing his homework of interviewing and debating each member of the committee 1 on 1 first. He thought he could handle it all 1 on many, and was shot down with emotional illogic. ---------------------------- I sympathize with Bob Martone, in Texas, wanting to "wrestle this issue to the ground" by preparing for a likely Udall Bill attack from the National Right to Life Movement. Bob is asking us to seek fetal tissue research, hence Udall Bill, support from churches and bioethics groups. But, our wrestling effort may more strategically be used if we sacrifice one avenue of research to convert congress people intimidated by pro-lifers into co-sponsors. I suggest this strategy as an alternative, in case we can't quickly quench a pro-life attack. Above all: Avoid Small Battles, but Win the War -- Find a Cure. ---------------------------- Sidebar: Bob gratiously loaned his laptop to me and left me alone in his room during PAN Forum '95 for many hours so I could type the daily notes which he posted to this group. He's done great work, especially in Texas. 0===================================================================0 | @..@ A.J. CONOVALOFF | | (----) "The Molokan Cyber-Cowboy" __o | | ( >__< ) PSP Support Groups of Arizona `\<, | | ^^ ~~ ^^ [log in to unmask] . . ..(*)/`(*) | 0===================================================================0