Bush embryonic stem cell decision pleases both sides

Earlier this month in a televised press conference, President George W. Bush announced that federal funding would be allocated for research done on existing embryonic stem-cell lines but would not be made available to use in developing new lines.

“I have concluded federal funds should be used for these existing stem-cell lines where the life-and-death decision has already been made,” he said in the address.

Although the decision seems a good compromise, it has left parties on both sides of the issue unsatisfied.

Scientists feel the existing 60 lines – some of which are feared to be contaminated by mice cells – are not enough to last through preliminary tests and into human tests.

Those involved in trying to persuade the president to allocate the funds to research cures for diseases, such as diabetes, are also disappointed in the limitation.

Opponents of the research argue that no taxpayer funds should be used to aid the destruction of live human embryos, although the question of when life actually enters the embryo has yet to be answered.

Despite the criticism being voiced from all sides of the issue, President Bush’s decision was a wise one. It shows that he weighed equally the problems, concerns and advantages of both sides and made an informed decision he thought would be of benefit to all.

The two alternatives were allowing no testing to occur at all on the cells or allocating federal funds for the continued development of additional lines. Others may not be happy with the limits placed on both sides, but Bush’s decision insures funds for vital testing as well as appeasing those who feel the research should not be done.

All things considered, Bush made a monumental effort to provide a fair compromise that takes into account the feelings of both parties.