WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback today made the following statement at a hearing of the Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee.

"During the hearing today I would like to examine some of the most recent advances in the fields of in utero surgery and fetal medicine," Brownback said. "In particular, we will hear the remarkable story of a family who chose to undergo surgery for the benefit of their unborn child, Samuel Armas. Samuel underwent fetal surgery to treat spina bifida. Samuel is with us here today along with his parents, Alex and Julie.

"The ability to treat and cure diseases for the benefit of the young child who is yet to be born is an amazing advance that will help alleviate the suffering of many young children, and in fact, is already doing so.

"These are advances that all people, regardless of their political views, can embrace as a positive step. I am heartened by these advances and look forward to hearing from the respective witnesses.

"Let me also say that this hearing is not about abortion; rather it is about advances in therapeutic interventions that are effectively treating people suffering from diseases before they are born. There is little debate about whether the child in utero is alive; but whether it is a life worthy of protecting. That is a debate we will continue to have and will have another day.

"Today, I would like to focus primarily on the testimony of the family that chose to undergo this remarkable intervention, and the reasons they chose to do so given the risks associated with a surgery of this nature, as well as the amazing results of this intervention," Brownback said.

Brownback is chairman of the Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee.