August 10, 2001

Bush Approves Limited Support For Embryonic Stem Cell Research

President George W. Bush Aug. 9 announced that federal funds can be used to support research using human embryonic stem cells from existing stem cell lines. The President's decision would permit federal funding for research on "more than 60" stem cell lines that have already been derived from human embryos, but bans the creation of additional stem cells from embryos stored at IVF clinics. Also banned are the creation of human embryos for research purposes and the cloning of human embryos for any purpose.

According to a fact sheet released by the White House, federal funds will only be used for research on existing stem cell lines that were derived

• with the informed consent of the donors;
• from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes; and
• without any financial inducement to sponsors.

To ensure that federal funds are used to support only stem cell research that is "scientifically sound, legal, and ethical," the White House indicated NIH will examine the derivation of all existing stem cell lines and create a registry of those lines that satisfy this criteria.

Reacting to the President's announcement, AAMC President Jordan Cohen, M.D., said, "While we are encouraged that the President has allowed limited federal funding for this vital area of scientific discovery, the conditions he has placed on this funding may unnecessarily impede the full promise of research using embryonic stem cells."

The estimate of more than 60 existing stem cells lines has drawn some comment from scientists. NIH, in a report issued last month, estimated approximately 30 stem cell lines exist. The Washington Post quotes a senior administration official saying the new estimate was the result of NIH officials "calling around the world to talk to researchers."

The President also announced the creation of a President's Council on Bioethics. The new council will study "the human and moral ramifications of developments in biomedical and behaviorial science and technology…[and] such issues as embryo and stem cell research, assisted reproduction, cloning, genetic screening, gene therapy, euthanasia, psychoactive drugs, and brain implants." Bush's choice to head the council - conservative bioethicist Leon Kass, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Chicago -has been a supporter of adult stem cell research and has opposed using embryos for research purposes.

Information: Dave Moore, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.