TO
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 810, the "Stem Cell
Research Enhancement Act of 2005."
Like all Americans, I believe our Nation must vigorously pursue the
tremendous possibilities that science offers to cure disease and improve
the lives of millions. Yet, as science brings us ever closer to
unlocking the secrets of human biology, it also offers temptations to
manipulate human life and violate human dignity. Our conscience and
history as a Nation demand that we resist this temptation. With the
right scientific techniques and the right policies, we can achieve
scientific progress while living up to our ethical responsibilities.
In 2001, I set forth a new policy on stem cell research that struck a
balance between the needs of science and the demands of conscience. When
I took office, there was no Federal funding for human embryonic stem
cell research. Under the policy I announced 5 years ago, my
Administration became the first to make Federal funds available for this
research, but only on embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos
that had already been destroyed. My Administration has made available
more than $90 million for research of these lines. This policy has
allowed important research to go forward and has allowed America to
continue to lead the world in embryonic stem cell research without
encouraging the further destruction of living human embryos.
H.R. 810 would overturn my Administration's balanced policy on
embryonic stem cell research. If this bill were to become law, American
taxpayers for the first time in our history would be compelled to fund
the deliberate destruction of human embryos. Crossing this line would be
a grave mistake and would needlessly encourage a conflict between
science and ethics that can only do damage to both and harm our Nation
as a whole.
Advances in research show that stem cell science can progress in an
ethical way. Since I announced my policy in 2001, my Administration has
expanded funding of research into stem cells that can be drawn from
children, adults, and the blood in umbilical cords with no harm to the
donor, and these stem cells are currently being used in medical
treatments. Science also offers the hope that we may one day enjoy the
potential benefits of embryonic stem cells without destroying human
life. Researchers are investigating new techniques that might allow
doctors and scientists to produce stem cells just as versatile as those
derived from human embryos without harming life. We must continue to
explore these hopeful alternatives, so we can advance the cause of
scientific research while staying true to the ideals of a decent and
humane society.
I hold to the principle that we can harness the promise of technology
without becoming slaves to technology and ensure that science serves the
cause of humanity. If we are to find the right ways to advance ethical
medical research, we must also be willing when necessary to reject the
wrong ways. For that reason, I must veto this bill.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 19, 2006.
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