Stem cell slander
I've been harping on this issue for some time now, so I'm glad that the major media is finally beginning to climb on board (this piece from today's Wall Street Journal, for example). Regular readers know that I believe Bush's stem cell policy is too restrictive, and my own views on the matter are closer to Kerry's.
Nonetheless, the Bush policy has been egregiously misrepresented by his opponents. Whether we agree with it or not, we should not allow the current debate to be characterized by lies and half-truths.
Given the tone of coverage, the average person could be forgiven for believing that Bush "banned" stem cell research. He did nothing of the kind. He limited federal funding for embryonic stem cell research to existing stem cell lines. This means:
- Federal funds are allowed for existing ESC lines.
- State governments and private corporations may invest in ESC research all they wish.
- Federal funding for adult stem cell research in unrestricted.
- Bush increased funding for all stem cell research, even that involving embryonic cells (see chart below).
That's hardly tantamount to a "ban".
Robert Goldberg, director of the Manhattan Institute's Center for Medical Progress, sounded a similar note yesterday. He rightly points out that there is a lot more happening in the science of biomedicine and biotech than simply stem cells, and makes a compelling case that a Bush administration provides a climate much more conducive to medical breakthroughs than would a Kerry administration.
Disagree with Bush all you want on stem cells. I do. But don't lie about what he's doing to bolster your case.
