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Frist's shift on stem cells angers abortion opponents
Associated Press
Published July 30, 2005
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist endorsed government-funded research on human embryonic stem cells Friday, breaking with President Bush and religious groups he's been courting for a 2008 presidential bid. He drew praise from former first lady Nancy Reagan.
"It isn't just a matter of faith, it's a matter of science," Frist, a surgeon, said in a Senate speech. "The president's policy should be modified."
Bush said he remained intent on vetoing the House-passed bill that would loosen his 2001 restrictions on funding of research using stem cells from days-old embryos in a search for cures to spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's and other diseases. Frist, a Tennessee Republican, called Bush on Thursday to tell him in advance of his decision.
"The president said, "You've got to vote your conscience,' " White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
Mrs. Reagan, who also was called by Frist the night before, praised his decision. She began championing stem cell research while caring for her late husband, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease for more than decade before his death last year.
"Thank you, Dr. Frist, for standing up for America's patients," she said in a statement.
Abortion opponents, however, criticized Frist's decision.
"He cannot be prolife and pro-embryonic stem cell funding," said the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. "Nor can he turn around and expect widespread endorsement from the prolife community if he should decide to run for president."
Some Republicans said they were angered by Frist's speech.
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who denounced embryonic stem cell research as "dismemberment of living, distinct human beings" during the House debate in May, called Frist "a good man ... advocating a bad policy."
Because taking embryonic stem cells destroys embryos, many conservatives equate the process with abortion and view it as immoral.
[Last modified July 30, 2005, 01:10:15]
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