Michael J. Fox Touts Need for Stem Cell Research

July 19, 2006 — -- President Bush is expected to use his first veto on a bill that would expand federally funded stem cell research.

The prospect has disappointed many, including actor Michael J. Fox, who've hoped that research would bring new cures for diseases. In an exclusive interview, Fox told "Good Morning America" that he can't understand the reasoning behind this potential veto.

"I think that to make a choice to protect millions of cells that are going to be destroyed over protecting millions of living … human beings and citizens of this country is hard to get around it," Fox said. "I mean, I know I can't quite understand the reasoning behind it."

The celebrated actor said he is "respectful of those who oppose this research and their reasoning for it, but they do represent a minority."

Fox, who has gone public with his struggle against Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder with no known cure, said he is glad to speak up for this cause.

"If I can add my voice to it and for whatever reason … get a little more attention, then I'm happy to do that," he said. "I consider it a responsibility and a privilege."

The bill the president is expected to veto would lift restrictions that currently limit federally funded research to embryonic stem cell lines created before Aug. 9, 2001. The bill did not receive enough votes in either the House or the Senate to keep it safe from a veto.

Fox said he regrets the five years lost during the debate when progress in stem cell research could have been made. Stem cell research, as well as the medical advancements that it will yield, should be available in the United States, he said.

"People really want this," he said, "and they consider it and they've prayed on it and they've thought about it. And I think you have to trust … our scientists, our institutions, our facilities to really do the right thing and lead the way with this, because it's going to happen anyway.

"So why doesn't it happen with American oversight and federal funding … with an enthusiastic and well-thought-out approach?" he added.

"Since when does America wait for somebody else to figure it out? I mean, we should figure it out. We've been blessed with the resources and the intelligence and the spirit and the energy to tackle these kind of problems, and we're all set to do it."