House committee passes deadly Kahn-Cohen bill to legalize cloning, killing of human embryos

MCCL, ST. PAUL — Deadly legislation passed by a Minnesota House committee February 28th on a 11-8 vote would approve and fund human cloning and the killing of human embryos at the University of Minnesota. The Kahn–Cohen Cloning Bill forces taxpayers to pay for the destruction of human life on a scale never before seen in Minnesota, and also requires the U of M to kill all cloned human beings or face felony charges.

“This is the most shocking and dangerous threat to human life in years,” said Jenny Hoelscher, MCCL legislative associate. “It is difficult for taxpayers to believe that their elected officials are even considering legislation which would require such massive destruction of human life.”

The deadly Kahn–Cohen Cloning Bill, S.F. 100, would allow millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to be used to kill living human embryos. Taxpayer funds would also be available to finance the cloning of human embryos for the sole purpose of destroying them for experimentation.

“The vast majority of Americans are opposed to research that requires human cloning and the killing of human embryos,” Hoelscher explained. “The killing of innocent human life at any stage is unethical, regardless of any supposed benefits, and taxpayers must not be forced to fund it.”

Proponents of the bill, realizing the strong public opposition to human cloning, have used an alternative scientific term when referring to cloning. They even go so far as to claim that this term—somatic cell nuclear transplantation—is not cloning at all. In reality, the term itself actually describes the process of cloning.

“Do not be deceived by embryonic stem cell research or cloning by somatic cell nuclear transplantation,” Hoelscher said. “It is full of empty promises and deadly consequences.”

In testimony submitted to the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee, MCCL emphasized that adult stem cells offer real hope for people suffering from diseases and conditions such as cancer, lupus, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders and many more. More than 70 cures and treatments have already been developed from adult stem cell research; in stark contrast, no embryonic stem cell cures or even human clinical trials exist.

Hoelscher emphasized that embryonic stem cell research and human cloning are a waste of taxpayer dollars.

“If these horrors they call ‘research’ were at all promising, biotech firms would pour billions of dollars into them,” she noted. “The biotech industry is seeking to force taxpayers to fund this research precisely because it is illusory, highly speculative and deadly.”

MFC is following developments on this legislation, along with our friends at MCCL, and we’re ready to issue a call to action should that become necessary. At the moment, no hearings are scheduled in either the House or Senate. However, be prepared to take action on short notice if needed to stop this dangerous legislation.

Good news about Tom Prichard

In December, we alerted our friends and supporters about the distressing news of MFC President, Tom Prichard's diagnosis with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and his pending chemotherapy treatment. Since then, many have inquired about how Tom is doing.

We are thrilled to report good news from a recent test. The test indicates that after three of the six scheduled chemotherapy treatments, the cancer appeared to be gone! This means that Tom will complete the remaining three chemo treatments just to be sure, and be done at the end of March.

Tom has been hard at work every day since beginning treatment, except for one day every three weeks when he's gone down to Mayo for treatment, and a few other days for doctor appointments. Of course, there are a few days following each treatment when he doesn't feel the greatest and tires easily. He's also sporting a chemo hairdo! But throughout he has maintained a very positive attitude.

Thanks to the Lord for this great news! And our heartfelt thanks to the many of you who have responded with cards, letters, emails and phone calls offering support, encouragement, and prayer for Tom. Thank you! These have been greatly appreciated by Tom and all of us at MFC.

Please continue to pray for Tom as he completes his chemo treatments over the next few weeks - and as he goes back to work at the Capitol, where the Legislature is back in session.