A Step in the Right Direction

Senator Frist has broken with Bush and has decided to endorse expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. I applaud his decision not to pander to his base, and do what he believes, as a physician, is the right thing to do. Pragmatically, Frist has come to see that the embryos that would be used in such scientific pursuit would be discarded and destroyed regardless of their non-use in research.

It is narrow mindedness that compels groups, like the Christian Defense Coalition, to publicly condemned Frist for his decision.

The Christian Defense Coalition says Sen. Bill Frist can no longer consider himself pro-life and vote to expand funding for embryonic stem cell research. The Coalition also states, Sen. First should not expect support and endorsement from the pro-life community if he votes for embryonic research funding.

Whether you believe life to begin at conception, at birth, or anywhere in between, an embryo that is destroyed is a lost opportunity to make the lives of millions of Americans better. Being pro-life should mean that you are as equally concerned about those suffering from potentially curable diseases as you are fertilized embryos.

A full two-thirds of the American populous believe that the Bush administration has been too restrictive in this area. While this may be a political move for Frist's 2008 presidential bid, it is also the right thing to do for the American people.