Not Partisan: The Stem Cell Debate Goes Deeper than Party Lines

Advocates of stem cell research are pressing for a vote on a bill that would override President Bush’s ban on federal funding for new stem cell lines. The House has already passed its version of the legislation, and recent polls show that the public is squarely behind stem cell research, so supporters want to use the momentum to get the bill passed in the Senate.

What is stem cell research?

Stem cell research is relatively new; only since 1998 have scientists been able to grow and isolate stem cells, which have the unique potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, each "daughter" cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function. Stem cells, therefore, could serve as a repair system for tissues and organs, replenishing damaged or diseased cells, including red blood cells, brain cells, or muscle cells. They have the potential to cure life-threatening diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Harvesting stem cells always kills the days-old embryos; so some are opposed to the practice. The argument over stem cell research often mimics the abortion debate, centering on religious definitions about when human life begins.

What would the legislation do?

The Senate bill sponsored by Arlen Specter (R- Pennsylvania) and Tom Harkin (D- Iowa) would overturn Bush’s band and authorize federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The embryos would come from in vitro fertilization clinics that destroy their surpluses, and donors would consent to their use.

But opponents say that it’s unethical to use embryos for scientific research. They consider frozen embryos to be individuals who need protection. Further, they say it’s unfair to require taxpayers to support such a debatable practice.

Since legislators on both sides of the argument consider themselves pro-life, the term takes on a new meaning within the context of the stem cell debate. For example, both Senator Orrin Hatch (R- Utah) and Senator Rick Santorum (R- Pennsylvania) are strongly opposed to abortion, but since stem cell research may save lives, Hatch believes that it follows pro-life principles, while Santorum sees no difference between stem cell research and abortion.

President Bush agrees with Santorum, and is sharply opposed to the bill. Mr. Bush has threatened to do something he has never done before - veto the legislation and challenge Congress to overturn or override him. A two-thirds majority is needed in both the House and the Senate to supersede the President and allow the bill to become law; otherwise, the bill "dies." Right now, the Senate is at least 7 votes short of the 67 needed to override a veto.

Frist’s strategy

Although Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist was at one time in favor of stem cell research, he is now siding with the President and trying to prevent the Specter/Harkin bill from passing.

Frist is promoting several substitute bills such as a measure that would promote alternative techniques of harvesting stem cells that do not harm embryos. Adult stem cells, including the mother’s cells from an umbilical cord, are proving in early research to be useful in treating the individual adult with her own stem cells.

Most legislators, including Specter and Harkin, are in favor of alternative research as well, but aren’t willing to trade it for a plan that would fund the creation of new stem cell lines right away.

Specter and Harkin point out that alternative methods of obtaining stem cells have not been scientifically proven. The bipartisan duo has been working the hill, trying to convince colleagues that the alternative bill is a poor substitute for their own.

Not a partisan issue

Stem cell research is certainly not a partisan issue. In fact, the debate has split the Republican Party. Specter and Hatch are not alone in their attempt to overturn President Bush’s ban -- other prominent Republicans such as Nancy Reagan are lobbying for the bill’s passage. And the Republican Main Street Partnership has spent over a million dollars for ads to promote embryonic stem cell research.

The issue intersects disciplines as well as parties. To come to an opinion on the matter, one must consider her religious or spiritual beliefs along with the purpose of scientific research, the origins of life, and the role of the government. The subject also begs more concrete questions: If an embryo is going to be discarded, should it be used for research instead? Should taxpayer money go to scientific endeavors? Should the president’s religious beliefs affect public policy?

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Posted on: 7/22/2005