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1、39 布什最近声明支持干细胞研究Bush Nears Decision on Stem Cell ResearchPaula WolfsonWhite House8 Jul 2001 21:25 UTC President Bush is nearing a decision on one of the most 1)emotionally charged issues of his young 2)administration. It involves federal funding for research using cells from human embryos. The resea
2、rch holds promise for those suffering from many 3)debilitating diseases. But critics say destroying 4)embryos for research amounts to taking a life. The 5)controversy surrounds the use of human stem cells. They are cells that have not taken on a specific function in the body. Researchers say their p
3、otential is enormous. They say these special cells could one day be used to repair or 6)rejuvenate damaged organs. Many scientists say the purest stem cells - and those most likely to produce results - come from human embryos. Although private labs are working with 7)embryonic stem cells, supporters
4、 of stem cell research say the federal government, which runs the biggest health research facility in the country, must get involved.But this is a matter that combines medical and ethical concerns, and there are differing views at all points on the political spectrum. The embryos used are in the ear
5、liest stages of development, and are created in a laboratory for use in 8)fertility treatments. They are tiny groupings of cells that are frozen and, if not used, slated for destruction.Leaders of the anti-9)abortion movement, including the Catholic Church, say extracting the cells for research amou
6、nts to taking a life.Gary Bauer is a former presidential candidate who now heads a group called American Values. During an appearance on 10)CNNs Late Edition program, he said embryonic stem cell research should not be allowed.When a human egg is fertilized, a human being has been created, he said. T
7、hat human being has all the dignity and worth and value of any human being.Although some politicians agree with Gary Bauer, others side with Congresswoman Connie Morella. The Maryland Republican is a member of the House Science Committee, and her district is home to the National Institutes of Health
8、 - the federal governments network of medical research laboratories. She said on Late Edition that the President should agree to government funding of work on embryonic stem cells.Well, it is a major scientific breakthrough, she said. It could make a difference in the lives of over 100 million peopl
9、e in some way. 11)Parkinsons, Alzheimers, spinal cord injuries, 12)diabetes - all of these people who have these illnesses could be helped by this research.During his campaign for the 13)White House, President Bush indicated he might ban funding for research involving embryonic cells. Since then he
10、has come under a great deal of pressure, even from some members of his own party, to change his position. But 14)Gary Bauer says he is convinced Mr. Bush will side with those who oppose any research that involves destroying human embryos.I believe the President is actually going to surprise people,
11、politically, he said. He has stood on a couple of tough issues and I believe at the end of the day, he will stand for the 15)sanctity of life.There are 16)signs the President may seek a compromise and provide considerable funding instead for research using stem cells from adults. Connie Morella says
12、 that is not good enough.Scientists have said that they cant get as much from the adult stem cells, she said. They can still use it. And we are not saying, dont do that. We are just saying you are going to get far more opportunities for expanding into different kinds of cells that would help with th
13、ese various diseases using the early embryonic stem cells.White House officials 17)indicate the President is agonizing over this decision. He has sided with the anti-abortion movement in the past. But he also has personal ties to people hit by some of the diseases that are the 18)target of this rese
14、arch.As a child, he saw his younger sister die of leukemia. And now, George W. Bush is watching as a Republican Party hero, former President Ronald Reagan, wastes away from Alzheimers disease. Some of Mr. Reagans closest advisors and friends have indicated they want embryonic stem cell research to g
15、o forward.(1) emotionally adv.在情绪上(2) administration n.管理, 经营, 行政部门(3) debilitate vt.使衰弱, 使虚弱(4) embryos 晶胚(5) controversy n.论争, 辩论, 论战(6) rejuvenate vt.使年轻, 使复原, 使恢复精神, 使恢复活力, 使回春, 使更新 vi.返老还童 , 复原(7) embryonic adj.生胚胎的, 开始的(8) fertility n.肥沃, 丰产, 多产, 人口生产, 生产力(9) abortion n.流产, 堕胎, 失败, 夭折 , 中止, 早产(10) CNN 美国有线新闻网络, 以提供即时电视新闻报导而闻名(11) Parkinson 帕金森(James, 1755-1824, 英国医生)(12) diabetes n.医 糖尿病, 多尿症(13) White Housen.白宫, 美国政府的行政机关(14) Gary 加里(男名), 美国城市(15) sanctity n.圣洁(16) sign n.标记, 符号, 记号, 征兆, 迹象, 征候 v.签名(于), 署名(于) , 签署(17) indicate vt.指出,
