The Bush Decision: Stem Cell Research - Questions and Answers
Q:What
is the next step for stem cell research?
A: President Bush has allowed federal funding for embryonic stem cell research
only if researchers use 64 existing lines of stem cells, already extracted from
destroyed embryos. These lines have the ability to regenerate themselves
indefinitely. However, some researchers have cast doubt on as many as one-third
of the 64 stem-cell colonies, questioning whether they are sturdy enough to be
useful.
Q: What are stem cell lines?
A: That's the term for a group of isolated stem cells grown in the lab,
derived from the original cell, sharing genetic characteristics. There are
reportedly 10 laboratories in the United States, Australia, India, Israel and
Sweden that possess these lines.
Q: What are the guidelines for federal funding?
A: Stem cells may be used if scientists have the informed consent of the donors,
if the lines are from excess embryos created for reproductive purposes and if
there has been no financial inducement to the donors.
Q: Why was it Bush’s decision to make?
A. According to the National Institutes of Health, Bush suspended the NIH’s
guidelines for allowing federally funded research on stem cells harvested by
private researchers from embryos created during in vitro fertilization. After
ordering a scientific and ethical review of stem cell research, Bush chose to
make the decision himself.
Q: How much money was allotted and who owns the
existing lines of stem cells?
A: Under Bush’s policy, $250 million has been allocated. The Geron Corp., of
Menlo Park, Calif., BresaGen,Inc., an Australia-based company with labs in
Athens, Ga., and ES Cell International, of Australia, own 17 of the existing
lines. Their identities were disclosed during an NIH press conference held by
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. The NIH has not disclosed
other names since the information is proprietary, according to an NIH spokesman.
Q: What is President Bush doing to ensure that no other
stem cells will be used outside of the already existing lines?
A: The NIH says it plans to look at the source of the existing stem cell lines
and create a registry. Bush has created a President’s Council on Bioethics,
chaired by Leon Kass, an expert in biomedical ethics and a professor at the
University of Chicago. Kass and his team will examine embryo and stem cell
research, assisted reproduction, cloning, genetic screening, gene therapy and
other ethical biomedical issues.
Q: What is Congress’ role?
A: Congress could pass legislation overturning President Bush’s
decision, but it would be subject to a presidential veto. It will be clearer
what the Senate and the House will decide to do when both chambers reconvene in
September, according to sources in Congress.
--
Christine Morente
Sources: NIH and White House Fact Sheet