Bart Stupak: “This debate on H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, is really one of the most fundamentally important…”

“This debate on H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, is really one of the most fundamentally important debates that this body can undertake. H.R. 810 addresses the most basic, essential ethical issues--life, when does it begin, and when should life, including human embryos, be open to experimentation and scientific research. It is society's ethical obligation to draw boundaries around the possibilities of science. I believe we must draw a boundary that says ``no'' to embryonic stem cell research that requires the killing of embryos that if left to grow would become children. Children who would grow up to become police officers, factory workers, soldiers, government employees, lawyers, doctors, and scientists. I believe that embryos, as life, should be treated with as much respect as you and I, and I reject the view that embryos are mere medical waste, as some have suggested. Where do we draw the line as a Nation, and say, we will not cross that line? These proponents of H.R. 810 would not have us draw a line. This legislation leaves too many questions unanswered. When do embryos become human life? After 40 hours? After 2 days? H.R. 810 is silent on when embryos become human life--it doesn't specify how long these embryos are allowed to grow before they are killed--2 days, 5 days, 14 days, or more! Proponents of H.R.…”