All Options being Considered re Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ruling
The White House is reviewing (8/24/10) all options for responding to a court ruling stopping federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. A US district judge issued the injunction on 8/23/10, saying the doctors who challenged the policy would likely succeed because U.S. law blocked all federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
The president said very plainly when he laid out his stem cell policy that this is important, potentially life-saving research that could have an impact on millions of Americans and people all around the world. He thinks that we need to do research. He put forward stringent ethical guidelines and he thinks that his policy is the right one,” White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said.
The Obama administration could appeal the judge’s decision or try to rewrite the guidelines to comply with U.S. law. When asked about more specific options, Burton said, “We’re reviewing all possibilities.” Obama reversed Bush’s stand with an executive order in 2009. Burton said the injunction also may stop the research allowed by Bush’s policy.
The ruling affects only federally funded research, not private research.
Embryonic stem cells come from days-old embryos and can produce any type of cell in the body. Scientists hope to be able to use them to spinal cord injuries, cancer, diabetes and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Opponents of human embryonic stem cell research say it is wrong, usually for religious reasons, to damage or destroy a human embryo.(HWM and P Zengerle)
