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Bill Frist: On the Stem Cell Research Issue
by US Sen. Bill Frist
Thursday, 11 August 2005

US Senator Bill Frist

As you know, I recently spoke on the Senate floor in favor of increasing — within strict ethical bounds — federal support for stem cell research.

My endorsement has been the cause for much speculation; partisans and pundits have been dissecting my motives. Indeed, some have questioned them.

Let me begin by saying that my decision to support this legislation did not come lightly.

Nor did it come hastily.

I spent weeks talking with the best scientists and ethicists in the world about this issue. And I stand firmly by my position and my principles.

Here is why:

I believe — in my heart — that embryonic stem cells hold UNIQUE potential to heal, and that they can be derived ethically.

As a doctor, a father and a senator — as one who truly believes in the power of science and medicine — I simply will not turn my back on the potential to heal.

The Promise of Embryonic Stem Cells
As I write this, millions of people in America are suffering from dreadful diseases; diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease and Lou Gehrig's disease.

As you are reading this — this very moment — someone ... somewhere in America ... will fall victim to a tragic accident that leaves them with a devastating spinal cord injury.

They will open their eyes and contemplate a life in which they may never walk again.

These are our family members; these are our friends; these are our loved ones.

Yes, this research is young — only 7-years-old. But it is uniquely powerful.

Embryonic stem cells are "pluripotent" ... which means they have the capacity to become any type of tissue in the human body, and are capable of renewing themselves and replicating themselves over and over again — indefinitely.

No other stem cells have that capacity.

This research will offer renewed hope; this research will offer renewed promise.

And, someday, I believe this research will offer new cures.

The Pro-life question
Some have asked: "How can you say that you are pro-life, yet endorse a policy that — in effect — destroys it?"

That's a fair question.

After all, an embryo is nascent human life. It deserves our moral respect.

But I think it's important to remember this:

The decision to discard and destroy these embryos has already been made.

These cells — created (but no longer to be used) for the purpose of fertility treatments — will otherwise be discarded or destroyed.

That fact is so vital that it bears repeating:

These cells — cells that hold the potential to heal — will otherwise and with absolute certainty be discarded or destroyed.

The living heart that — as a heart surgeon — I so routinely transplanted to give others new life would also have been discarded or destroyed; yet we found ways to ethically transplant them ... to treat incurable diseases.

We found ways to ethically save lives.

Principles for stem cell research
Let me say — unequivocally — that my position on stem cells has been consistent since long before the administration’s policy was announced on August 9, 2001.

I stated in 2001 — on the record — that the federal government should support embryonic stem cell research, but ONLY on cells derived from blastocysts leftover from fertility clinics that would otherwise be discarded. I also said that funding should be allowed ONLY under a comprehensive, fully regulated system of ethical oversight; one with strict safeguards, complete transparency and, above all, PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.

And I stand by that statement today.

I stated on the record in 2001 — and again two weeks ago — my 10 comprehensive principles and ethical framework on stem cell research: