Stem Cell Research

Human embryonic stem cells have the ability to transform into different types of cells. Because of this attribute, stem cell treatments could potentially be used to restore damaged organs and tissue, as well as cure degenerative conditions and genetic diseases.*English_Xinhua: Backgrounder: Stem Cells

The National Institutes of Health released guidelines for stem cell research on April 17, 2009. According to the guidelines, scientists are required to use cells taken from fertility clinic embryos that would have otherwise been discarded. The ruling is disappointing to many scientists who were hoping to use a wider variety of stem cells.Fox News: Stem Cell Guidelines Limit Research... (April 17, 2009)

Researchers in China have generated eggs using stem cells from the ovaries of adult female mice. The study may point the way toward a cure for female infertility in humans.Reuters: Experts say develop eggs... (April 12, 2009)

The use of human embryonic stem cells for scientific research has been a controversial topic. Opponents of stem cell research feel that destroying an embryo for medical research is equivalent to murder.*English_Xinhua: Backgrounder: Stem Cells

President Obama restored government funding for stem cell research on March 9, 2009. President Bush had previously restricted federal funding for stem cell research to only a few stem cell lines that were created before August 9, 2001.KOAM TV: Obama lifts ban on embryonic stem cell research (March 9, 2009) Some have said the research could led to human cloning, and Obama said the government will develop strict guidelines. He called human cloning "'dangerous, profoundly wrong".KESQ: Obama calls cloning 'dangerous, profoundly wrong' (March 9, 2009)

Although Obama's March 9, 2009, reversal of Bush's stem cell policy will allow hundreds of stem cells that are already in existence to be used, the Dickey-Wicker amendment prevents federally backed researchers from creating their own stem cell lines, which scientists hope will eventually lead to finding cures and treatments for diseases such as diabetes and paralysis. The Dickey-Wicker provision has been included in every spending bill since 1996, including the one Obama signed into effect on March 11, 2009. Democrat representative Diana DeGette and Republican representative Mike Castle are seeking a vote to repel the amendment, something they have tried to do two times already, failing both times. Even if they are able to repel it this time, the change will not go into effect until September 30, 2009.FOXNews.com: Obama's Stem Cell Policy Hasn't Reversed Legislative... (March 14, 2009)

On January 23, 2009, the FDA approved the first human trial using stem cells. The Geron Corporation will conduct the world's first study of embryonic stem cell therapy in a human.Times Online:Stem-Cell Therapy Gives Hope to Accident Victims (January 23, 2009)

• 1969: First human in vitro fertilization

• 1995: Dickey Amendment prohibits federal funding for research that destroys embryos

• 2001: August 9, President Bush limits research to existing stem cell lines

• 2004: April, 206 members of Congress urge Bush to expand funding for research

• 2006: July 19, Bush vetoes Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act

• 2006: October, Controversial ad featuring Michael J. Fox supports stem cell research

• 2007: June 20, President Bush vetoes second Stem Cell research bill

• 2009: January 23, FDA approves first human trials using stem cell research