Senator Bill Frist, Republican majority leader, came out today in support of modifying the current policy, favored by the president, regarding embryonic stem cell research. The new bill, already passed in the House, would allow research on existing embryos that would otherwise be discarded.

We've always thought that Senator Frist's latest position on embryonic stem cell research is the correct one. We agree that to create embryos for the purpose of doing research is morally problematic. But if the choice is between destroying embryos by discarding them or doing potentially beneficial research, in that case it seems the best option is to do the research. The embryos are destroyed either way, and there's no benefit derived in simply discarding them. It seems to us this is more akin to donating the organs of a deceased person than some Mengelian atrocity. Most people, even those who are pro-life, wouldn't have a moral problem with donating the kidneys or heart from a deceased baby, for example. It doesn't make sense to give more moral consideration to a frozen embryo that's set to be destroyed in any case.

While Frist's sudden flip-flop causes a problem for the president, and has the look of political calculation, it looks like he's right on the merits of the issue. (To clarify, we're not saying Frist's position is a result of political calculation, just that it may look that way to some.)

Senator Frist's statement is here. Trey Jackson has the video here.

Somewhat worrying: Glenn Reynolds agrees.

Doug at Stones Cry Out definitely disagrees.

Paul at Power Line agrees.