Yesterday the Obama Administration announced the first wave of federally funded human embryonic stem cell research. This news is disheartening to me, as well as many others around the nation who strongly believe in the inherent preservation of life from its beginning.
Embryonic stem cell research is disrespectful to the sanctity of life and uses taxpayer dollars to support research whose only proven result at this time is the destruction of human embryos. Moreover, other means of conducting research using adult stem cells and other alternatives to embryonic stem cells offer more promise. For example, a study in 2007, conducted by Brazilian and American scientists, found that adult stem cells could be used to treat those suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Instead of forcing millions of Americans to fund research that they believe crosses ethical boundaries, we should instead focus our resources on these alternative forms of stem cell research.
On Wednesday, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins was quoted, in favor of this research, as saying, "What we're talking about today is just the beginning." I agree with her, but in a different sense. It is the beginning of destroying innocent human life funded by the American taxpayers. I hope that you won’t stand for this, and as your representative in Congress, neither will I. I remain committed to supporting promising ethical research on adult stem cells and opposing research that does not treat human life with the dignity it deserves.
About Me
- Rep. Randy Neugebauer
- Randy Neugebauer represents the 19th District of Texas, which stretches across 27 counties and includes the cities of Abilene, Big Spring, and Lubbock. He is now in his fourth term in U.S. House of Representatives after first taking office on June 5, 2003.
