Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Met with Sen. Brownback and his aide Rob Wassinger. Brownback was concerned about statements that I made 13 years ago! Concerning the then new SCID mouse that could be reconstituted with fetal tissue to regenerate a human immune system in a mouse. I stated at an ACT-UP meeting in NYC that this was a promising area of research and that it would require the use of fetal tissue. At the time there was the beginning of a moratorium by President Reagan and later Bush on the use of fetal tissue for transplantation into humans. I apparently (reported in the press) urged the ACT-UP people to make their concerns known so that this could be taken into consideration by the administration and lawmakers. Brownback and Wassinger said that several “right-tolifers” had called them very concerned that I was being considered for NIH Director when I had been a vocal advocate for the use of fetal tissue. I had a lengthy (1 ½ hour) discussion with Sen. Brownback about embryonic stem cells, fetal tissue, etc. I believe that the conversation went as well as could be expected. He was very cordial, but concerned about “how I would advise the President if I were NIH Director”. I told him that I do not advise the President on Ethical or Moral issues since I trust that the President has his own strong moral compass. I mentioned that I am a scientists and that I merely give him accurate scientific facts and he can make up his own mind within the framework of his own values. I think that Brownback respected that answer. We left with his still being concerned about me, but I do not think that he will try to block me.