Bush praised for stand on cloning, 'ethical' stem-cell research

Published: 2008-01-29

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. pro-life leaders praised President George W. Bush's support for a ban on human cloning and for increased funding for "ethical medical research" on stem cells that does not involve destroying human embryos. Bush commented on both in addressing "matters of science and life" in his seventh and final State of the Union address Jan. 28. "We certainly welcome the president's emphasis on increased funding for ethical stem-cell research, and we agree that passage of a ban on human cloning is long overdue," Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the U.S. bishops' Office of Pro-Life Activities, told Catholic News Service Jan. 29. An official with the National Right to Life Committee in a Jan. 28 statement also praised Bush's stand on cloning and his "continued commitment" to funding research that does not destroy life. On the issue of stem-cell research, Bush said, "We must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries."

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .