Stem Cell Policies Scientific Breakthrough

Stem Cell Policies

Scientific Breakthrough

The issue of stem cell research burst on the scientific scene in November of 1998 when researchers first reported the isolation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). The discovery, made by Dr. James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, offered great promise for new ways of treating disease. The cells, which are derived from several-day-old embryos, can theoretically differentiate into virtually any type of human cell, from blood cells to skin cells. Scientists hope to find ways of using them to repair damaged tissue to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis (AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research).

What is a Stem Cell is a cell from the embryo, fetus, or adult that has, under certain conditions, the ability to reproduce itself for long periods or, in the case of adult stem cells, throughout the life of the organism.

Although most cells of the body, such as heart cells or skin cells, are committed to conduct a specific function, a stem cell is uncommitted and remains uncommitted, until it receives a signal to develop into a specialized cell. Their proliferative capacity combined with the ability to become specialized makes stem cells unique. Researchers have for years looked for ways to use stem cells to replace cells and tissues that are damaged or diseased (Executive Summary).

The stem cell debate reappeared in full force during the 2008 presidential debates. On March 9, 2009 President Obama signed Executive Order 13505, Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells.

Stem Cell Policy under Former President Bush (2001-2009)

President Bush announced his decision in a primetime address to the nation on August 9, 2001. He decided to allow federal funding of hESC research to go forward, but only on cells already in existence. After researchers isolate stem cells from a human embryo, the cells often replicate indefinitely, creating a "cell line." The president decided that for a cell line already in existence, research would be permissible because destruction of an embryo had already taken place. But he refused to allow publicly funded research on any cell line created in the future so as to prevent the federal government from acting in a way that would encourage the destruction of human embryos (AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research).

Federal funds could be awarded for research using human embryonic stem cells if the following criteria are met: the derivation process (which begins with the destruction of the embryo) was initiated prior to 9:00 P.M. EDT on August 9, 2001; the stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes and was no longer needed; informed consent must have been obtained for the donation of the embryo and that donation must not have involved financial inducements (Executive Summary).

This controversial decision drew all kinds of reactions from different groups on each side of the issue. Some adversaries of hESC research expressed admiration for the decision limiting research to existing cell lines, while others said that no research should be allowed under any circumstances. Advocates of hESC research, meanwhile, generally praised the president for allowing some research to go forward, but criticized the restriction to existing cell lines as too strict, questioning whether enough research would be allowed.

Current U.S. Stem Cell Policy under President Obama

The March 9, 2009 EO changes the way the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can support and conduct human stem cell research. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the NIH Director, is required to review existing NIH and other widely-recognized guidelines on human stem cell research and issue new NIH guidance within 120 days of the date of the EO (Executive Summary).

A new policy allowing research involving human embryonic stem cells and human non-embryonic stem cells has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many disabling diseases and conditions. Advances over the past decade in this promising scientific field have been encouraging, leading to broad agreement in the scientific community that the research should be supported by Federal funds (Register).