Finding good in the bad

Pres. George W. Bush's decision to allow federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research on already established stem-cell lines is disappointing both because it is morally wrong and because it violates a campaign promise.

But as disappointing and wrong as Bush's decision is, the naming of University of Chicago professor Leon Kass to head a bioethics council to review this and other developments in bio-medical and behavioral science and technology is encouraging.

Kass, who opposes embryonic stem-cell research and human cloning, will lead a council that replaces Pres. Clinton's National Bioethics Advisory Commission. The council will study the human and moral ramifications of embryo and stem-cell research, assisted reproduction, cloning, genetic screening, gene therapy, euthanasia, psychoactive drugs, and brain implants.

Kass and his wife of 40 years, Amy, have team-taught a seminar at the University of Chicago on the ethics of courtship. In 1999, they addressed a major Catholic gathering in Washington sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family and the U.S. bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities.

Bush now needs to make sure that a majority of his remaining appointments to his new bioethics council will have views in line with those of Kass.