Contact: David E. Smith, Executive Director, Illinois Family Institute, 773-858-6602

MEDIA ADVISORY, Mar. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Illinois Family Institute's Executive Director, David E. Smith, issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's decision to allow millions of taxpayer dollars to be used for the destruction of human embryos in the name of research:

"The Illinois Family Institute (IFI) absolutely supports adult and umbilical cord stem cell research. We oppose, however, embryonic stem cell research because it destroys human life. Moreover, IFI believes that in this economic climate, it is foolish to spend tax dollars for controversial and unproven research.

"Every human life begins as an embryo. Each embryo has unique human DNA. It is the first stage of human development. This fact should not be overlooked in favor of any potential scientific advancement.

"Potential human life should never be sacrificed in the name of a potential medical cure.

"Adult stem cells are being used successfully to treat between 70 and 80 diseases right now -- that is where we should focus our efforts and resources."

IFI works to uphold marriage and family, life and liberty in the Land of Lincoln.