Tommy Thompson: Bush will make 'very reasoned opinion'

Tommy Thompson

(CNN) -- President George W. Bush plans to go live on television Thursday night to share "directly with the American people" his decision on whether to support federal funding of stem cell research.

The president is scheduled to speak to the nation at 9 p.m. EDT about embryonic cell research.

The issue has been debated privately and in public, in homes and in the House. It has divided conservatives who oppose abortion rights, pitted the scientific community against some religious leaders and has been fodder for editorial pages and talk shows.

CNN anchor Colleen McEdwards spoke Thursday with Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson about the president's decision.

What President Bush's decision means Bush will allow federal funding for research on 60 lines of embryonic stem cells. These lines of cells have the ability to regenerate themselves indefinitely but not all have been approved by the National Institutes of Health, which sets federal standards for research. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to turn into any other kind of cell in the body, and have been looked to as possible treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Type I diabetes. VIDEO Watch President Bush's speech on federal funding for stem cell research (Part 1) (August 9) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) Bush's speech (Part 2) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) More video     MORE STORIES Bush to allow limited stem cell funding   Adult stem cells or embryonic? Scientists differ   Reaction mixed to stem cell decision   More stories     EXTRA INFORMATION In-depth: The stem cell debate     RESOURCES CNN Access: Bioethicist on implications of Bush's decision   Message board: Stem cells and cloning

Colleen McEdwards: Can you tell us what you know about this announcement this evening?

Tommy Thompson: I know that the president has spent great deal of time talking to experts and just plain individual citizens across America about this subject. He spent more time on this subject than probably anyone can imagine, because he was very concerned about (it) and he's going to make a very reasoned opinion and decision tonight.

And I hope everybody turns in and watches him because I think it's going to be something that's going to be what the people expect.

McEdwards: Who else has he spoken to?

Thompson: The president has been talking to individuals on all sides of this issue. He's been talking to scientists. He's been talking to his advisers. He's been talking to congressmen and senators. He's been talking to plain citizens. He spent a lot of time on this subject.

McEdwards: What are the main issues he's been weighing?

Thompson: He's been very concerned about the ethical issues and the scientific breakthroughs that might happen. It's been a very controversial (issue), but the president has been very straightforward. He wants information. He wants as much as he can absolutely have on the subject, and he's been doing his own independent research himself in regards to the ethical questions and the scientific questions by talking to individuals who are very learned in these situations.

McEdwards: Has it been tough for him personally, given that he's a pro-life president?

Thompson: Well, the president has been very concerned with all of the issues, as he should. I was very proud of him, the way he has handled himself throughout this whole debate. …I think people are going to listen to him tonight and say, "You know, this individual spent a lot of time on this and I understand why he made the decision."

McEdwards: What kind of discussions have you had with the president on this? What do you tell him?

Thompson: The president has been very understanding of everybody's position, and all I wanted to do was share with him my opinion and the information that I had. And I think the president has done a tremendous job in weighing all of the information and he's going to make a very fine decision this evening.