Bush Set to Veto Stem Cell Research

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4567481.stm

Bush Set to Veto Stem Cell Research

US President George W Bush has threatened to veto a bill expanding public funding for embryonic stem cell research that could reach his desk next week.

At the same time, the White House condemned research in South Korea to make human embryonic stem cells that are customised to match sick patients.

BBC News looks at the stem cell debate in the United States.

What has Mr Bush said on the matter?

While he is a strong supporter of adult stem-cell research, Mr Bush says using material from human embryos is a different matter.

The president is opposed to taxpayers' money being used to fund "science which destroys life in order to safe life".

In 2001 he declared federal funding would be available only for research using existing stem cells - meaning that no new lines could be created, whether from existing embryos or cloned embryos.

By threatening to use his presidential veto for the first time to block legislation, he has made it clear this is an issue upon which he is determined to make a stand.

What do his opponents say?

Supporters of embryonic stem cell research make a case for "respecting life" by using the technology to try to find cures for diseases.

While acknowledging the need for rigorous ethical oversight, some argue the current restrictions are ideologically driven.

There is no law against private stem cell research in the US, and research is moving ahead not just outside the country, but in states like California.

US scientists have complained that the 60 stem cell lines established before the ban are now becoming unusable.

In his campaign for the presidency, Democrat John Kerry declared his administration would make the issue "a top priority in our government agencies, universities and medical community".

Why is the row so politically charged?

There are Catholics and social conservatives who oppose abortion and consequently the destruction of embryos required for stem cell research. Many of these are also supporters of Mr Bush.

But the president has to carry off a delicate balancing act, seeking to placate these supporters without appearing to stand in the way of research or against the wishes of secular Republicans.

High profile advocates of stem cell research have helped thrust the issue into the spotlight.

The death of former Superman actor Christopher Reeve - a prominent advocate - generated great interest in the issue.

Campaigning by other famous names like Michael J Fox and Nancy Reagan has kept it in the public eye.

What is happening in Congress?

The House of Representatives is due to open a debate on stem cell research next week and debate legislation to expand the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally-funded research.

Suporters of the bill expect any vote to be close.

There are predictions that as many as 50 Republicans could join Democrats in favour of the bill.

Republican leaders have told Republicans lawmakers to consider the legislation a "vote of confidence", reports say.