A presidential decision as complex and controversial as the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research invokes several levels of moral reflection. Foremost among these is the sanctity of human life and the corresponding issue of the moral status of a human embryo. But this is not the only ethical touchstone of this decision. President Bush is responsible for governing the nation, and he is responsible to formulate and communicate his decisions in ways that foster the interests of its citizens.
Bush's speech announcing his support for a modest federal support of embryonic stem cell research meets the high water mark of moral governance, even if it falls just short of the ideal in supporting the sanctity of human life. Bush wisely rejects the use of federal money to support the destruction of human embryos, thus discouraging any future harvesting of embryos for scientific research. He justifies this position by taking a strong stand on the support of life. America is not to be a nation that takes lightly the destruction of human life, even at its earliest stage.
Bush recognizes, though, that human suffering and disease might be potentially alleviated through embryonic stem cell research, so he is permitting federal funding of existing stem cell lines. Unfortunately, this support of existing lines tends to legitimize the destruction of the embryos from which these lines originated. Therefore, Bush's decision grants a modest respectability to a very dangerous tendency among humans, namely, our capacity to make life and death decisions based on utilitarian calculations which sacrifice the weak and the voiceless.
Yet, Bush glimpses this tendency with deep sensitivity to the moral consequences and with great ethical insight. He states firmly and without reservation that human life is a "sacred gift from our creator." Further, he highlights his moral obligation as President to preserve life. The fact that Bush gave a national policy address on stem cell research bespeaks his capacity to see the moral gravity for the nation at this time. Great presidential actions are often characterized by the ability to seize moments and advance the cause of the nation. Bush's clear declaration of principle sets a tone for moral deliberation, and provides us with an ethical touchstone for further biotechnological decisions. With his speech he has balanced the competing interests in this difficult decision and has constructed a Solomonic solution. Most importantly, he has provided the citizenry with a clear statement of high moral principle. We now must hope and pray that future congressional action will respect this principle. We also wish speedy work to those researchers working with adult stem cells, and trust that their successful work will reduce the political pressure Congress may bring to bear on Bush's tenuous compromise.
Dr. Ken Chase,
CACE Director