Rep. Jo Ann Emerson is a staunchly pro-life Republican from Missouri. Since coming to Congress in 1997, she’s introduced a Constitutional amendment every year banning abortions. But when the House recently considered a measure expanding federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, she was one of 50 Republicans to defy President Bush’s veto threat and back the bill.

In a moving floor speech, Emerson explained her vote by offering two examples. James Wood has had muscular dystrophy since birth. Cody Bader is in a wheelchair because of a car accident. Both could live better lives if scientists learned how to utilize stem cells to repair damaged nerves and organs.