Wicker Disappointed with Obama Stem Cell Action

Senator Roger Wicker sees further erosion at restrictions for embryonic stem cell research. He says President Barack Obama’s order to open up federal funding for the study is just the beginning. Sara Sciammacco reports.

The Mississippi junior Senator gave his name to the Dickey-Wicker amendment. It bans the use of federal funds in any destruction of human embryos…including harvesting of stem cells. Wicker helped pass the provision when he was a House member, but he expects Democrats in Congress will try repeal it.

“They probably have the votes to do so. Elections have consequences.”

Scientists believe embryonic stem cells can lead to cures of diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. But Wicker says less controversial approaches using adult stem cells have proven to be promising.

“I think it’s regrettable that we are spending federal money on the kind of research that has such, really serious ethical issues, when we could leave that to the private sector.”

Supporters of stem cell research in Congress are planning to codify the president’s executive order…so that a future president can’t easily reverse it. From Capitol News Connection, I’m Sara Sciammacco, M-P-B News.