Stem Cells—Explained and Explored
Commentators urge review of federal funding
President Bush’s decision in August 2001 to limit federal research funding to 78 existing lines of embryonic stem cells touched off a national dialogue about science, ethics and policy.
No one appears to have a problem with research on tissue-specific or “adult” stem cells, nor on the blood-forming stem cells from umbilical cord blood. In fact, many critics of human embryonic stem cell research are urging further exploration of those avenues as possible alternatives.
But as the number of embryonic stem cell lines suitable for federal funding has dwindled to less than 20 and more research has been published about the potential of this science, the number of voices calling for an expansion of federal funding has grown.
Here is a sampling of statements advocating for expanded funding:
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