Hunter Votes to Protect Human Life
posted in Candidates, Duncan Hunter (R), Issues, Stem Cell Research |Original source: http://www.house.gov/list/speech/ca52_hunter/stem_cell_110th.shtml
Hunter Votes to Protect Human Life
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), voted against H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 253 – 174, promotes federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.
“While I support stem cell research, I cannot make an exception for the destruction of human life,” said Congressman Hunter. “Rather than promoting ethical alternatives, this legislation utilizes taxpayer dollars for research methods using embryonic stem cells, which destroy human life for scientific purposes. Despite there being no limitations on privately funded embryonic stem cell research, this method has failed to deliver any significant results or effective treatments.
“We learned last week that yet another viable and ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research exists through the use of amniotic non-embryonic stem cells. I will continue to only support efforts that promote these promising alternatives, which preserve and promote life, and provide the most sensible approach to discovering new treatments against life threatening diseases and conditions.”
In stating his strong opposition to H.R. 3 and embryonic stem cell research, Congressman Hunter cited his support for H.R. 322 (Bartlett-MD), the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act. The legislation, which Hunter is a cosponsor, promotes the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines from alternative sources that do not require the creation or destruction of human embryos for research purposes.
