President Bush and Congressman Mike Turner block Stem Cell Research

Today President Bush issued the first legislative veto of his administration, blocking a bill that would have expanded funding for stem cell research. Prior to the President’s veto, Congressman Mike Turner voted against the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act that was ultimately approved by Congress. “I passionately disagree with the President and Congressman Turner on this issue. Denying the possibility of a longer, fuller life to anyone crosses a moral boundary that I know is wrong,” said Stephanie Studebaker, candidate for Congress from the Third District.

Religious leaders across the country supported this bill because of their deep respect for life. Groups as diverse as the United Church of Christ, the Union for Reform Judaism, the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church USA, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America all support this bill. Even prominent Republicans, such as Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, have given their bi-partisan support to expanding stem cell research.

In the United States, millions of Americans live everyday with diseases like diabetes, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s; all of which have the potential to be cured through expanded stem cell research. Denying these Americans the right to the hope of a cure through safe, ethical stem cell research places more Americans in harm’s way.

Most importantly, stem cell research is a tool that could be used to prolong and save the lives of our children. “As a mother, I know that if my children were sick I would do anything - anything - to help them get well. Along with millions of other Americans, I can't understand why President Bush and Mike Turner feel differently.”