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These techniques are, at this stage, nascent and uncertain and have not yet successfully yielded cell lines. They therefore cannot now support the research that is so urgently needed. Federal support for research into their viability is at best a complement to—not a substitute for—funding the full range of study possible now on embryonic lines. Such hypothetical alternatives should not be permitted to derail an important change in policy.

Funny thing: Pro-lifers have been noting that embryonic stem-cell research itself is nascent, uncertain, unproven, not yet successful, and merely hypothetical at this stage. That bill the papers are talking about would actually fund more research on non-embryonic stem cells, which has had far greater real-world, human successes than research on embryonic stem cells has.

Sen. Arlen Specter isn't too pleased about the bill, since he thinks it'll detract from his own efforts at increasing federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. Maybe he should listen to what someone told The New York Times: "If it's very speculative, and we have a bird in hand, let us not avoid going forward with what we know will work." The speaker? Arlen Specter.

More on Stem cells:

• Governor slips stem-cell grant by lawmakers | Illinois joins states opposing Bush stand (Chicago Tribune)
• Illinois to pay for cell research | Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed an executive order on Tuesday making Illinois the fourth state to devote public money to embryonic stem cell research (The New York Times)
• Senators urge change in stem cell rules | Senators who want the public to pay for human embryonic stem cell studies said Tuesday that Congress must first pass legislation to lift President Bush's restrictions on such research before paying for unproven alternative methods favored by conservatives (Associated Press)
• Contentious hearing focuses on stem cells | Senators debate merits of different bills (The Washington Post)
• Stem cell bills have multiplied | Fearing the Senate will pass legislation easing research curbs, the White House is backing up to five alternatives, trying to dilute support (Los Angeles Times)

More articles

Irineos fails in attempt to seize Jerusalem church:

• Brawl erupts at J'lem church | A brawl broke out between opponents and supporters of the beleaguered Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem Wednesday afternoon after the church leader returned to his Old City office. (The Jerusalem Post)
• Irineos fails in attempt to seize J'lem church | The embattled Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem tried to seize the Jerusalem church compound with a group of guards, but was stopped by Israeli police, rebel clergymen said (Associated Press)

Papal comments:

• Pope criticizes Harry Potter | Pope Benedict XVI has condemned the Harry Potter books as "subtle seductions," capable of corrupting young Christians, in two letters which have now been published online (The Times, London)
• Also: Pope opposes Harry Potter novels | Signed letters from Cardinal Ratzinger now online (LifeSiteNews.com)
• Pope's condolence telegram causes flap | Shake in Vatican's communications operation may be coming (National Catholic Reporter)

Evolution:

• Questions for pope on evolution stance | Three scientists have asked Pope Benedict XVI to clarify the church's position in light of recent statements by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (The New York Times)
• What Catholics think of evolution | They don't not believe in it (Keelin McDonell, Slate)

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July (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49