On President Bush’s veto of the stem cell research bill:

President Bush’s explanation for the veto of the bill that would allow federal funding of stem cell research using discarded new embryos in opposition to the wishes of a majority in Congress and the vast majority of Americans is irrational. Although the President extolled the potential for stem cell research to find possible cures for diabetes, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, etc. during his veto speech, he rejected the bill on the basis that even in vitro embryos deserve the “protection of the sanctity of human life.” Press Secretary Tony Snow later stated that the President believes that the use of in vitro embryos for research purposes would be tantamount to “murder.” Yet the President continues to accept their use in privately funded research and in federally funded research on “old lines” from embryos destroyed prior to his term. If the President’s basis was truly “sanctity of human life,” he should stand against the use of embryonic stem cell research under any circumstances.
So what is really going on here? Does the President believe a test tube embryo, whether in vitro or in utero, is a viable human being from the moment of conception or not? Does he think it’s as viable as a post partum, walking, breathing human being, or a near term fetus, or an embryo in utero? Isn’t the issue really about abortion and a woman’s right to choose?
Perhaps the President is conflicted on what is a viable life since he is willing to condone “murder” by privately funded researchers so long as he can distance himself by not personally authorizing federal funding. He doesn’t seem to have the heart or the stomach to close the door on millions of born humans suffering from chronic diseases who are hoping for a cure. Is the President pandering to his conservative right-wing Republican constituency? Perhaps he is trying to find a politically motivated middle ground to placate both sides of the argument. The irrationality of his veto, thankfully, weakens the position of those who would deny a woman the right to choose. Unfortunately, his decision frustrates the opportunity for a much more robust embryonic stem cell research program that could eventually improve the viability of the lives of millions of chronically ill patients.