U.S. Senate to Consider Stem Cell Bills

c. 2005 Religion News Service WASHINGTON _ The Senate is scheduled to debate at least two bills dealing with embryonic stem cell research before it adjourns for a summer recess in August. A third compromise measure could also be presented by the Republican leadership. Here are quick summaries of the two bills, and the expected […]

c. 2005 Religion News Service

WASHINGTON _ The Senate is scheduled to debate at least two bills dealing with embryonic stem cell research before it adjourns for a summer recess in August. A third compromise measure could also be presented by the Republican leadership.

Here are quick summaries of the two bills, and the expected compromise, with the Catholic Church’s position on each.


Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 471)

Sponsors: Arlen Specter, R-Pa.; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.; Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Gordon Smith, R-Ore.

Substance: The bill would loosen restrictions adopted in 2001 and allow federal research on stem cells derived from surplus embryos at fertility clinics. Embryos must be destroyed in the process.

History: Passed by the House, 238-194, in May.

Catholic Position: Opposed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and threatened with a veto by President Bush.

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (S. 1317)

Sponsor: Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

Substance: Increases federal funding for research on stem cells derived from umbilical cords.

History: Passed by the House, 431-1, on May 24.

Catholic Position: Supported by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Potential Compromise

Likely Sponsors: Bill Frist, R-Tenn.; Rick Santorum, R-Pa.; Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.

Substance: This bill would allow federal research on stem cells that are taken from embryos that are not destroyed, and allowed to develop normally. Critics say the science is untested and speculative, but supporters say it could be the best compromise available.

History: The bill has not yet been formally introduced.

Catholic Position: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is waiting for the finalized bill before making a judgment on its merits.

MO/JL END RNS

Editors: Accompanies main bar, RNS-CATHOLIC-STEMCELLS.

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