Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Research Funding

The battle over the use of human embryonic stem cells in scientific experiments is likely to become an important issue in next year's US presidential elections after George Bush last night vetoed attempts to lift restrictions on federal funding for the research.

The presidential veto - only the third of Mr Bush's term in the White House - effectively knocks any freeing up of funding for stem cell research into the long grass until after the elections in November 2008.

The Democrats lack sufficient support among Republican dissenters to secure a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress needed to overturn the veto.

Hopes within the scientific community, which overwhelmingly supports the use of federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, now hinge on the results of the 2008 elections.

Both leading contenders for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, responded to Mr Bush's veto by reiterating their support for an end to funding restrictions.

Geneticists are excited by the progress of research into human embryonic stem cells because they have the potential to develop into any human organ. In theory, they could be directed to act as repair tissue in the case of neurological and other diseases.

But pro-life activists are campaigning against stem cell research because cultivation of the cells involves the use of human embryos, usually left over from fertility treatment.

Mr Bush has forbidden the use of federal money for research on any embryonic stem cells created after 2001, when he first formulated his policy.

Geneticists claim that is an arbitrary cut-off point and has hampered their progress in a crucial area.

As he wielded his veto - the second time he has blocked legislation to permit federal funding for such research - Mr Bush made a moral case for his actions.

"If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers for the first time in our history to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos," he said. "I made it clear to congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line."

The president went on to issue an executive order designed to encourage alternative forms of research that did not involve human embryos. But scientists derided this proposal as there are no extra resources available.

Leading advocates of the bill in Congress vowed to continue the fight.

Diana DeGette, one of its main sponsors in the House of Representatives, said: "This will be an election issue in 2008 not just in the House, not just in the Senate, but in the presidential election. We intend to continue bringing this up until we have a pro-stem cell president and a pro-stem cell Congress."