Jul 18 2006

Graham Statement on Stem Cell Research

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the Senate’s stem cell research vote. “I completely understand and appreciate the seriousness of the debate and how people of good will and motives may disagree on the proper course for our nation to chart. “After careful consideration, I come out on the side of not using taxpayer dollars to condone the destruction of viable embryos for research purposes. I feel very uncomfortable using taxpayer dollars to fund research on viable embryos when there are other alternatives available. “I remain concerned we are heading down a slippery slope, in terms of medical ethics, that may have no end. The argument that some of the embryos will be discarded if not used for research does not address the fundamental question of whether the federal government should condone such practices with taxpayer funding. “At this moment in time of scientific development and as the moral debate continues to move forward, I believe the answer should be a no vote on sanctioning the destruction of viable embryos. All of us, no matter our differences were once viable embryos. “Also, if the President carries through on his veto threat, I will vote to sustain.” #####