Senator Makes Theological Argument for Stem Cell Bill

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed two human stem-cell research bills-- S. 5 (a broad bill) and S. 30 (calling for research using only embryos that are "naturally dead"). One of the most interesting parts of the debate was the floor speech (full text) given by Oregon's Republican Senator Gordon Smith in favor of both bills. he made a theological case for stem cell research. Smith, a member of the Mormon church said that "religion and science are not in conflict in the Senate today." He concluded this after outlining his biblical arguments on when life begins:

Based upon my personal struggle with this issue, I now believe any reservations with embryonic stem cell research are misplaced, especially when one truly considers the question of when life begins.

For me, it begins with the mother, with the implantation of the embryo.

I believe the Scriptures provide ample support showing that flesh and spirit become one within a mother. This is one of womankind's supernal gifts. I find verses in the Old and the New Testament, in Genesis, Jeremiah, the Psalms, Job, as well as in the Gospels.

All of these things lead me to feel comfortable with an ethical conclusion that life begins when flesh and spirit are united in a mother's womb and not before.

An article in yesterday's Bend Bulletin reports on his Senate remarks.