Letter: Stem cell research should be funded

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004 | 8:45 a.m.

President Bush was cruel to disapprove of funding for stem cell research. This cut off hope for millions of Americans who suffer from many diseases that might be cured if research money were available.

Stem cells are the basic building blocks of the human body and have the potential to develop into different types of cells, which can be used to replace those cells in the body that are defective. Scientists believe that achievements made from stem cell research could be the greatest medical advancement since antibiotics.

Bush talks about ethics and respect for human life when he discusses embryonic cell research. But whose ethics and whose lives? Doesn't a living, suffering human being deserve more respect than a frozen embryo waiting to be destroyed? If he was so concerned about the sanctity and respect for life, he would put a ban on destroying any embryos at all.

Bush appointed Dr. W. David Hager to the Food and Drug Administration's committee on reproductive drugs. Hager opposes therapeutic cloning and also refuses to prescribe contraceptives to unmarried women and women who have premenstrual problems. Hager is an example of people who have been and will be appointed by Bush to powerful positions if he is re-elected.

GLORIA J. WINDELL