Frist 'Pulls a Kerry' by Supporting Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Frist stated,

I am pro-life. I believe human life begins at conception. It is at this moment that the organism is complete -- yes, immature -- but complete. An embryo is nascent human life. It's genetically distinct. And it's biologically human. It's living. This position is consistent with my faith. But, to me, it isn't just a matter of faith. It's a fact of science.

Our development is a continuous process -- gradual and chronological. We were all once embryos. The embryo is human life at its earliest stage of development. And accordingly, the human embryo has moral significance and moral worth. It deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

I also believe that embryonic stem cell research should be encouraged and supported. But, just as I said in 2001, it should advance in a manner that affords all human life dignity and respect -- the same dignity and respect we bring to the table as we work with children and adults to advance the frontiers of medicine and health.

So, Frist like Kerry believes life begins at conception and therefore claims to be "pro-life". He even goes further by stating "the human embryo has moral significance and moral worth. It deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect."

Yet, the sanctity of human life is forgotten by Frisk when, in the same statement, he throws his support behind research that kills the very life he believes should be treated with the "utmost dignity and respect."

When, Sen. Frisk, is the point in time when you and Sen. Kerry believe the unborn are worth protecting from scientists who desire to harvest human lives for the advancement of their research programs?

Update: Prosthesis makes a similar point in Bill Frist is the new John Kerry

Others Blogging:

Opinion Times - In the realm of vacuuous reasoning, hollow arguments become sensible. Such is the case when it comes to embryonic stem cell research, and Bill Frist is feeling rather “sensible” these days.

The American Mind - By "growing in office" (a euphamism for a Republican becoming more liberal) Frist now conflicts with his pro-life stance. He can also kiss goodbye to his chance of becoming the GOP Presidential nominee in 2008.

Stones Cry Out - I don't see how someone who is against abortion can be for human experimentation on embryos.

Jill Stanek - I am disappointed in Senator Bill Frist, to say the least. His announced position in favor of embryonic stem cell research today is not only unethical but nonsensical.

Holy Fool - Not so surprising, however, for a politician to read tea leaves. The misinformation train has long left the station. People line up along the tracks to wave it on. Voters included

Antioch Road - Looking for genuine leadership on life issues? We won’t find it from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

LTI Blog - after reviewing Senator Frist’s pathetic speech justifying federal funding of destructive embryo research, I must say that, today, I am ashamed to be called a Republican.

The Dickens Family - As a lifelong Republican who supported George W. Bush both monetarily and through my vote, I am writing to express my deep disappointment that you are changing your view on Stem Cell research

jivinjehoshaphat- I am continually disappointed by politicians and individuals who recognize the scientific reality that the unborn are living human beings yet are in favor of not only killing these living human beings for their parts but also favor tax dollars being given to researchers to experiment on these parts.

Freedom of ... - Adult stem cells, however, have produced successful treatment of 65 different diseases/disorders with NO adverse side effects. It doesn't take a doctor to understand those statistics.

Stem Cell Extremist - Oh no Frist, how could you?

Conservaitve Conolia - Politicians still seem to believe that embryonic stem cells hold the clue to everything. It almost seems that they are suggesting that stem cell research will stop death all together, just as long as you use embryos.

Imago Dei - I for one am getting very tired of the same story. We have a majority in both houses, yet the Republican leadership cannot get John Bolton confirmed. On the topic of judges, Frist attempted to end the shameful Democrat practice of filibustering qualified judicial nominees with a 40 senator minority, but he ended up being subject to a 14 senator minority - with 7 Republicans joining. Now he changes his principled position on destructive embryonic stem cell research.

Scrappleface - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist today announced his support for expanding federally-funded stem cell research in hopes of finding a cure for his own addiction to tax dollars.

Cross-posted: prolifeblogs.com