2006年VOA标准英语-Stem Cell Issue Could Be Factor in US Elections

（单词翻译）

By Jim Malone
Washington
17 August 2006

The ethical¹ and moral debate over expanding embryonic² stem cell research could motivate voters on both sides of the issue in this year's U.S. congressional elections.
 

Color-enhanced stemcell from bonemarrow   
  
Embryonic stem cells are master cells within the fetus³ that can develop into any form of human tissue.

Supporters of expanding stem cell research contend it has the potential to help treat diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes⁴, as well as some spinal⁵ cord injuries.

Cody Unser was stricken with a rare spinal cord infection that has left her a paraplegic.

"Over 100 years ago, man could not fly.  All I want to do is walk again.  Stem cell research is my answer.  Do not let me and others who are suffering wait any longer," he said.

Advocates have focused on expanding embryonic stem cell research because scientific experiments have shown them more adaptable⁶ than adult stem cells.

But opponents of expanding stem cell funding counter that it is immoral⁷ to destroy the embryos⁸ used in the research, arguing they represent the earliest form of human life.

In fact, the stem cell issue became the subject of President Bush's first congressional veto.  In July,  the president struck down an attempt by lawmakers to lift federal funding restrictions⁹ on human embryonic stem cell research.

President Bush   
  
"In this new era, our challenge is to harness the power of science to ease human suffering without sanctioning the practices that violate the dignity of human life," said Mr. Bush.

Mr. Bush says the pre-existing stem cell lines that are currently the subject of federally funded research are adequate and that taxpayers¹⁰ should not support expanded research on surplus embryos at fertility clinics, even if they are slated¹¹ for disposal.

Conservative religious activists¹² welcomed the president's veto.  They oppose the use of human embryos for stem cell research and praise couples who adopt the embryos, implant¹³ them in a woman's womb and bring them to term.

But opinion polls indicate that most Americans are generally supportive of expanding stem cell research and excited about the potential they represent for combating diseases.

Even some notable Republicans have broken with the president on the issue.  They include Senate Republican leader Bill Frist, a heart surgeon from Tennessee, and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, whose late husband, former President Ronald Reagan, battled Alzheimer's disease.

Political analysts¹⁴ believe the stem cell issue could have an impact on some of the congressional races in November when Republicans attempt to hold majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

John Fortier monitors U.S. politics at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.

"You have people who are pro-life behind the president and that may help Republicans in certain [congressional] districts," he explained.  "But in northeastern districts, Democrats¹⁵, I think, will be helped in certain swing or moderate districts where Republicans are put in a difficult position."

Conservative groups that emphasize opposition¹⁶ to social issues like homosexual marriage and abortion¹⁷ hope to seize on the stem cell issue as a way of boosting voter turnout in November.

Stuart Rothenberg publishes an independent political newsletter in Washington.

"This is one of those elections where while Democratic enthusiasm is up, at the moment, the early indications are that Republican enthusiasm is down," he noted¹⁸.

Democrats believe their support for expanding stem cell research will appeal to independent and even moderate Republican voters who disagree with President Bush over the issue.

In the Midwest state of Missouri, voters will decide on a ballot¹⁹ initiative that would protect stem cell research.  The issue has also become a hot topic of debate in the Missouri Senate race between Republican incumbent²⁰ Jim Talent and his Democratic challenger, Claire McCaskill.