The U.S. president said he was disappointed that “the leadership of Congress recycled an old bill” that would overturn the 2001 Bush administration’s “carefully balanced policy on embryonic stem cell research.” Bush said his policy encourages ethical research but does not require taxpayer funds to support embryonic stem cell research.
“This [current] bill puts scientific research and ethical principle into conflict, rather than supporting a balanced approach that advances scientific and medical frontiers without violating moral principles,” he stated.
On the day before the vote, Cardinal Justin Rigali issued yet another message, urging lawmakers to reject the legislation. Cardinal Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities.