Today, Senator Bill Frist has made a decision that will certainly cost a great deal of political support, the importance of which is debatable. I won't say the decision was wise, but it was certainly bold. More importantly, though, Frist's decision to support expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research demonstrates a moral dichotomy regarding his claim of being pro-life.
The self-proclaimed pro-life physician/senator said in support of his decision, "It's not just a matter of faith, it's a matter of science." By making this claim, Frist is advocating a sort of dualism between faith and science and to which faith must ultimately bow to the "demands" of pop-science. As a Christian physician, Frist should know as well as anyone that his faith in the Designer of the cosmos (and, thus, science itself) can and should guide his science. The fact is, good science (the best science, in fact) can be done while affirming the core values of his faith.
It is true that it is a matter of faith and science, but it is not an either/or, it is a both/and. Frist actually made the statement himself when he stated that embryonic stem cell research should be funded "within ethical bounds." In other words, ethics should guide science. The problem here is that there is no definition of what "ethical bounds" are. Exactly, who's ethics are we referring to here? It would appear that Frist is advocating a type of relativism in claiming that it is possible to both destroy human embryos and maintain an absolute ethical standard (presumably of life). It can't be done. Through the choice he made, he crossed over and beyond "ethical bounds." There are no objective ethical bounds once the only basis for absolute ethical standards has been abandoned. All else becomes subjective, relative and impotent.President Bush, while acknowledging Frist's right to "follow his conscience," has reaffirmed that he will veto legislation that does not affirm a culture of life as the White House pointed back to his earlier statement:'I made my position very clear on embryonic stem cells. I'm a strong supporter of adult stem cell research, of course,' the president said on May 20. 'But I made it very clear to the Congress that the use of federal money, taxpayers' money to promote science which destroys life in order to save life is — I'm against that. And therefore, if the bill does that, I will veto it.'
Beyond the ethical dilemma of the practice itself is the belief of many that American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for a practice they disagree with on such a fundamental level. There are many private corporations that are taking part in this type of work, which can hardly be stopped, but it is not the business of government to follow suit. Frist's decision quickly met with a great deal of Liberal support, which frankly, doesn't surprise me. However, garnering praise from the following two members of the Senate, in particular, should give him pause concerning the wisdom of his decision:"It is a decision that will bring hope to millions of Americans," said Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "I know there's still a long ways to go with the legislation, but a large step has been taken by the majority leader today ... and I admire the majority leader for doing it." Said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.: "As a physician, Sen. Frist has a moral calling to save lives and alleviate suffering. He honors his Hippocratic Oath today by recognizing the unique healing power of embryonic stem cells."
Sorry, Teddy, but that demonstrates anything but an honoring of his Hippocratic Oath, which is a promise that a physician will treat all people fairly and to seek to preserve life; a promise to do no harm. That's three points at which Frist has failed his oath if he stands behind his statement.
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity has issued a statement which I believe states the problem and the response to Frist in an intelligent and succint way:
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD) is deeply troubled by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s announcement supporting a revision to the current policy on government funding for embryonic stem cell research.
John Kilner, CBHD President, said, “Senator Frist soundly affirms that embryos are human life warranting the ‘utmost dignity and respect.’ But then he maintains that it is okay to kill them if other people can benefit. The implication is that human beings can be killed if others can benefit. The danger here is glaring!”
“It’s simply not consistent with the life affirming ethic to use the weakest members of our human family for purposes of research,” said C. Ben Mitchell, CBHD Senior Fellow. “It is never acceptable for the government to kill unwanted children. Abandonment is not a warrant for embryo-destructive research.”
Senator Frist’s statement that embryonic stem cells can meet medical needs that cannot be met by adult stem cells is wishful thinking,” said Nigel Cameron, Senior Fellow at CBHD. “To date, more than 60 ailments in human patients have benefited from adult stem cell treatments. Anything said about the benefits of embryonic stem cells is merely speculation.”
“It is simply unnecessary to spend federal tax dollars on embryo-destructive research when there are many cell lines available,” said C. Ben Mitchell, CBHD Senior Fellow. “The number now available in the form of self-perpetuating cell lines is 22 and growing. Many other samples, now in frozen storage, are available for future use if the currently active cell lines deteriorate or become inadequate for basic research. Many of these lines were isolated without animal feeder cells, and could be cultured on human cell layers now that this technique has been developed.”
I don't know what this decision will mean for Frist politically, but it is a decision that certainly weakens the influence that this man carried among those who are strong supporters of life. This is not a purely political issue--it is one that is shaped by your values, your morals and your overall worldview. It is much more important than some partisan political issue, it is one issue among many that can ultimately make or break a culture.
Quotes utilized can be found in this FoxNews report. The CBHD news release can be accessed through the CBHD website.
Labels: David C. Price
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