Frist Supports Stem Cells

In a surprise move, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announced his endorsement of a bill that would loosen the restrictions on Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Frist said the research is "not just a matter of faith, it's a matter of science." The legislation has already passed the House of Representatives, but faces strong opposition from the Administration which has vowed to veto any expansion of funding for embryonic stem cell research.

I am going to have to commend the good doctor for breaking with the White House on this one. This is a bill that seems to have strong bi-partisan support, and the American people are behind it. However, I find Frist's newfound faith in science a bit odd. Where was it when he "didn't know" if you could contract HIV from sweat and tears, or when he diagnosed Terri Schiavo after looking at a video tape for an hour? (this article highlights his heralded medical diagnoses)