Pro-life official hails signing of bill on stem cells from cord blood

Published: 2005-12-20

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- An official of the U.S. bishops' pro-life secretariat hailed the Dec. 20 enactment of legislation establishing a national program to promote the use of stem cells from umbilical-cord blood. Richard M. Doerflinger, deputy director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said the signing of the Stem-Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 by President George W. Bush "is wonderful news for the many thousands of suffering patients who can benefit from umbilical-cord-blood stem-cell treatments." The House had approved the legislation in May by a 431-1 vote. The Senate passed it by unanimous consent Dec. 16 with one amendment; the House concurred with the amendment by voice vote Dec. 17. "As Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, how appropriate that we can also celebrate the medical miracles made possible by cord blood retrieved immediately after live births," Doerflinger said. "Congress and the president have given a wonderful Christmas present to patients in need."

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