Prominent Republican Applauds Stem Cell Ruling

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), the chair of the House Republican Conference, released a statement this week in support of a federal judge’s decision to place a block on federal funding for stem cell research.

“It is morally wrong to create human life in order to destroy it for research and it is wrong that the tax dollars of millions of pro-life Americans have been used to fund this destructive research,” Pence said.

Pence’s statement goes on to deny the effectiveness of the research, arguing that results can be attained through less controversial means.

“Embryonic stem cell research has failed to provide a single treatment to a living patient,” Pence argued. “However, science has made great breakthroughs with the ethical use of adult stem cells.”

On Monday, Federal Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the research goes against a 1996 law prohibiting the use of tax-payer funds if the cells are destroyed. 

The White House, who expanded stem cell research in the early days of the Obama administration, has said they will weigh all options in appealing the ruling.

“[Obama] thinks that his policy is the right one,” Deputy White House Press Secretary Bill Burton told reporters Tuesday. “We’re exploring all possible avenues to make sure that we can continue to do this critical lifesaving research.”