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U.S. President George W. Bush delivers his last State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress as Vice President Dick Cheney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., applaud at the U.S. Capitol in Washington Jan. 28. In his speech the president called for funds for "ethical" stem-cell research that does not involve destroying human embryos.

(CNS photo/Jim Young, Reuters)

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. pro-life leaders praised President George W. Bush's support for a ban on human cloning and for increased funding for "ethical medical research" on stem cells that does not involve destroying human embryos.

Bush commented on both in addressing "matters of science and life" in his seventh and final State of the Union address Jan. 28.

"We certainly welcome the president's emphasis on increased funding for ethical stem-cell research, and we agree that passage of a ban on human cloning is long overdue," Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the U.S. bishops' Office of Pro-Life Activities, told Catholic News Service Jan. 29.

An official with the National Right to Life Committee in a Jan. 28 statement also praised Bush's stand on cloning and his "continued commitment" to funding research that does not destroy life.

On the issue of stem-cell research, Bush said, "We must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries."

He referred to the "landmark achievement" announced late last year of scientists discovering a technique that successfully turns adult skin cells into the equivalent of human embryonic stem cells without using an actual embryo.

"This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. So we are expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research," Bush said.

"And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. So I call on the Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting or cloning of human life," he said.

Doerflinger said bipartisan legislation to ban cloning for any purpose is pending in both the House and Senate. In the House the measure is co-sponsored by Reps. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., and in the Senate by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

Doerflinger said the pro-life office supports the bills. "We've been having meetings, beginning with House offices, urging more members to co-sponsor" the measures, he said, "and will continue to work" on getting support for the them.

"In tonight's State of the Union address, President Bush emphasized the importance of his policy which supports stem-cell research to find treatments and cures for disease, so long as such research does not require harming or killing humans," said Darla St. Martin, co-executive director of National Right to Life.

"President Bush's unwavering policy has been vindicated as researchers have discovered new, ethical sources for stem cells that show great promise," she said.

St. Martin added that pro-life lawmakers and the Bush administration have stopped those in Congress who favor legislation that "would pave the way for cloned human embryo farms."