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Gov. Bush says he opposes stem cell research
Associated Press
Published June 22, 2005
PHILADELPHIA - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday he opposes human embryonic stem cell research because it requires destroying days-old embryos.
Embryonic stem cells form in the early days after conception and can develop into any body tissue. Many scientists hope to one day harness them to grow replacement tissue to treat diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other diseases.
But prominent social conservatives, including President Bush and the Roman Catholic Church, are against the research because days-old embryos are destroyed. On Tuesday, the president's brother said he agreed.
"I'm opposed to it," he told a small group of reporters. "Taking a human life to save life is a huge contradiction morally."
In 2001, President Bush banned federal funding for stem cell research except for existing cell lines, but private groups are funding some new research.
Congress is working on legislation that would lift the restrictions. A bill passed the Republican-controlled House but did not attract enough votes to overcome a presidential veto.
Bush was in Philadelphia at the Biotechnology Industry Organization's annual convention to build on his attempts to create a biotechnology hub of companies in Palm Beach County.
[Last modified June 22, 2005, 01:08:17]
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