...LN: And there are alternatives that don't require the destruction of human life and they seem to be making more progress in actually helping patients, are they not?Brownback: Definitely and I have long supported alternatives to embryonic stem cell research. This is the area that is making progress and the area that I think we need to focus on. I am fully committed to supporting and funding adult stem cell, cord blood and amniotic fluid research. I think deriving stem cells from amniotic fluid could really be the next new source of a tremendous number of treatments and provide the hope we all seek. These are ethical cures, that don't involve crossing that moral line of taking the life of the young human. They also appear to be less likely of developing tumors that we see again and again with embryonic stem cells.
LN: In April, when the Senate approved S5, it also approved a bill for alternative ways of obtaining embryonic stem cells without harming tiny human beings. This seemed to divide the pro-life community to some extent regarding whether these approaches could be successful. In your study of this aspect of the issue, how confident are you that scientists can obtain embryonic stem cells without destroying human life?
Brownback: I supported the Coleman/Isakson bill to fund these alternatives. The legislation was carefully crafted so as not to allow any research involving the destruction of human embryos. There are disputes in the pro-life community about the prospect of some other alternatives. I myself am wary of any procedure that could involve the taking of a young human life. I think we ought to err on the side of life and continue to fund the research that is getting treatments and provides hope for real patients today...
Here's the rest of this exclusive (and illuminating) LifeNews.com interview with Sam Brownback.
