Stem-Cell Research

Floor Speech

STEM-CELL RESEARCH -- (House of Representatives - March 11, 2009)

(Mr. FLEMING asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a father, a physician and a Congressman to express my deep concern over the administration's decision to allow taxpayer dollars to incentivize the destruction of human embryos.

For the first time in our country's history, the Federal Government is going to encourage the destruction of human embryos. Newer techniques for making embryonic-like cells without destroying any embryos and advances in adult stem-cell umbilical cord blood treatments are showing that the use of embryos for stem-cell research is becoming obsolete.

Over 73 different diseases have been treated, at least experimentally, with adult or cord blood stem cells, including type I diabetes and heart disease.

Because of recent steps by our President, pro-life taxpayers are now footing the bill for the promotion of abortions overseas, doctors are in danger of being forced to perform abortions regardless of moral or religious objections, and now taxpayer funds are going to support the destruction of human embryos in the name of research.

Embryonic stem-cell research provides no guarantee of scientific advancement, but it does guarantee the innocent unborn have lost a critical battle.

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