When Sen. Orrin Hatch met Cody in 2001, the West Jordan boy was 4 years old - and because he shares his grandfather's virulent form of diabetes, he is facing a similar fate.

Cody was "articulate, cute and courageous," Hatch wrote in his 2002 biography, and he made the prominent anti-abortion Republican pause.

Hatch began looking at stem cell research, and that included conversations with religious leaders, Nobel laureates, scientists, doctors and constituents, he said.

He appeared on ABC News' "Nightline" on June 20, 2001, and broke ranks with Republicans, publicly supporting the expansion of embryonic stem cell research.

"It's the possible remedying of some of the worst diseases in our society," Hatch said, later adding, "Stem cell research promotes life. It's the most pro-life position you could take."

Such research destroys days-old human embryos, spurring Senate colleagues and anti-abortion leaders to urge him to back off. But Hatch didn't budge.

Thousands of unused embryos from fertility treatments are tossed out every year, so why not use them to further the potential for cures, he reasons.

Hatch consulted with his family, especially his wife, Elaine, who was supportive. "She understands the importance of helping people with serious injuries," he said.

He also turned to his faith. "I knelt down and prayed," Hatch said, "and I felt really good about my decision."

But he did not have guidance from leaders of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said. The church has not taken an official position on stem cell research, nor has it made an official statement about Hatch's support.

He admits he was concerned about church leaders' reactions. "It worried me to death," Hatch said. "I didn't want to be wrong about it."

Since then, his decision has provided political cover for some Republicans and given the effort a more bipartisan flavor. Others say he's wrong.

"I respect my colleagues who are on another side of this issue, who feel as though we should research on young human life," said staunch opponent Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, during floor debate in April. "I do not feel that is right or ethical."

Hatch, consistently rated one of the nation's most conservative senators, said his decision has taken an emotional and political toll. But he remains convinced it is correct and believes advocates for such research will eventually prevail, perhaps with a new president in 2008.

"I've watched people die," Hatch said. "I've seen heartache, pain and suffering, debilitating maladies. . . . I've seen illnesses that to me could be solved."

tburr@sltrib.com