EDITORIAL: Mr. Bush's Veto

Jun 22, 07:41 AM

Current Headlines: By Albany Times Union, N.Y.

Jun. 22--President Bush's veto of government funding for embryonic stem cell research was expected, but it is baffling nonetheless. Mr. Bush's approval ratings are lower than Richard Nixon's. He is a lame duck who will be out of office in 18 months. So why did he feel constrained to play to his political base on this issue? Why didn't he act in the interests of the majority of Americans who believe this research should go forward?

The answer may be ideology, or it may be plain Bush stubbornness. Either way, it's wrong. Congress should summon the political courage to override.

Mr. Bush believes, and many in his conservative base believe, that embryos hold the potential for life and thus should not be used for scientific experiments. But that argument does not hold up. Many of these embryos are excess ones, created in fertility clinics and destined to be discarded. How does Mr. Bush's veto protect them, then?

In his veto message, Mr. Bush stressed the potential for other forms of stem cell research to yield promising results in the fight against many debilitating diseases. But that is scant comfort to those who are suffering now, and who look to embryonic stem cell research to yield a cure for such debilitating diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

It is true that scientists have found other sources of stem cells, such as human placenta and the skin of laboratory mice, that hold promise. But progress on those fronts should not be used as an excuse to impede research with embryonic stem cells.

Finally, there is the argument that adult stem cell research has already yielded impressive breakthroughs, while embryonic stem cell research has not. But not every adult organ yields stems cells. By contrast, embryonic stem cells are flexible enough to allow scientists to cultivate them in myriad applications. As for the lack of results so far, the answer couldn't be more obvious: One reason it is taking longer to achieve breakthroughs is because the government is restricting research.

Mr. Bush's steadfast opposition has prompted some states, including New York, to fund research on their own. The Empire State Stem Cell Board and Trust, for example, has $100 million for embryonic and other forms of stem cell research, with a commitment to add $50 million a year for the next 10 years. California and New Jersey are also funding research. But that does not excuse Congress, which passed embryonic stem cell funding legislation, from rolling over in the face of Mr. Bush's veto. It has an obligation to stand up for the victims of hopeless diagnoses -- and give them hope.

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