US: In a rare break with President Bush and anti-abortion conservatives, US Senate majority leader, Dr Bill Frist has endorsed legislation that would expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research.
Dr Frist, a Tennessee Republican and surgeon who may seek his party's presidential nomination in 2008, yesterday endorsed a bill passed by the US House of Representatives that would overturn the limits on research Mr Bush imposed in 2001.
His backing, which could alienate the most staunchly anti-abortion conservatives but attract support from moderates in a potential 2008 White House run, significantly improves chances of the legislation passing.
Mr Bush has vowed to veto the legislation because embryos are destroyed when the stem cells are extracted.
Patients suffering from diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating and life-threatening disorders have been clamouring for more federal spending for stem cell research, while opinion polls show growing support for its expansion.
"I am pro-life, I believe human life begins at conception," Dr Frist said in a speech on the Senate floor.
"I also believe that embryonic stem cell research should be encouraged and supported."
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Mr Bush's position was unchanged.
"The president's position is based on an important principle," Mr McClellan said. "Many Americans share the president's belief that we should continue to advance the science while maintaining high ethical standards. The problem is when you start crossing certain lines, you start going down a slippery slope."
The bill, approved in the House and now likely to come up in the Senate after the August recess, would allow federally funded research on stem cells derived from embryos that are surplus to requirements in fertility clinics. There are about 400,000 such frozen embryos.
Backers of the expanded research were jubilant that Dr Frist had thrown his political and scientific weight behind them.
"As a physician, Senator Frist has a moral calling to save lives and alleviate suffering," said Massachusetts Democrat Edward Kennedy.
His decision however brought prompt rebuke from the staunchly conservative right.
Rev Patrick J Mahoney, director of the Christian Defence Coalition, said: "Senator Frist cannot have it both ways. He cannot be pro-life and pro-embryonic stem cell funding, nor can he turn around and expect widespread endorsement from the pro-life community if he should decide to run for president in 2008."