    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [April 11, 2007]
    [Pages 409-410]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Passage of the ``Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
    of 2007'' and the ``Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem
    Cell Research Act''
    April 11, 2007

        Scientists believe that stem cells have the potential for medical
    breakthroughs in treating debilitating medical diseases and disorders.
    However, the advancement of science and medicine need not conflict with
    the ethical imperative to protect every human life. I am a strong
    supporter of scientific research, which is why I authorized the first
    Federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells, under careful
    safeguards, starting in 2001.
        My policy unleashed an unprecedented scientific effort using the
    stem cell lines my policy approved for funding. While encouraging--not
    banning--research, my policy also ensures that Federal funds are not
    used to create incentives to destroy or harm or create living human
    embryos for purposes of research.
        The Senate today voted in support of legislation to overturn these
    safeguards. I believe this will encourage taxpayer money

    [[Page 410]]

    to be spent on the destruction or endangerment of living human embryos,
    raising serious moral concerns for millions of Americans.
        Research using human embryonic stem cells is still at an early
    stage, and it will be years before researchers know how much promise
    lies in therapeutic applications. I believe this early stage is
    precisely when it is most important to develop ethically responsible
    techniques, so the potential of stem cells can be explored without
    violating human dignity and life.
        S. 5 is very similar to legislation I vetoed last year. This bill
    crosses a moral line that I and many others find troubling. If it
    advances all the way through Congress to my desk, I will veto it.
        Meanwhile, exciting and significant scientific advances have been
    reported over the past few years on uses of stem cells that do not
    involve the destruction of embryos. These advances using adult and other
    forms of stem cells are exciting. Some have even produced effective
    therapies and treatments for disease, all without the destruction of
    human life.
        The second bill that passed the Senate today, the Hope Act, builds
    on this ethically appropriate research by encouraging further
    development of these alternative techniques for producing stem cells
    without embryo creation or destruction. I strongly support this bill,
    and I encourage the Congress to pass it and send it to me for my
    signature, so stem cell science can progress, without ethical and
    cultural conflict.

    Note: The statement referred to S. 5 and S. 30.