Stem cell research using human stem cell research has been banned once again as an important United States of America election approaches. In a decision on Aug. 23, a United States of America district judge reinstated prohibitions on embryonic embryo. An executive order signed by Barack Obama permitting federal funds for embryonic stem cell research was challenged in court by researchers with support from Christian organizations. A ban initiated by George W. Bush in 2001 was suspended by Obama’s action. Since the ban was lifted progress had been made in research on diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. That progress was stopped cold by the judge’s choice. Outrage was universal among scientists in the field. The administration is planning an appeal. The political utility of the stem cell issue is being evaluated by both parties.
Large leap backward for stem cell research
Federally-funded embryonic stem cell research underway in earnest. The scientific community felt ambushed upon hearing news that the ban had been renewed. Religious groups including Nightlight Christian Adoptions filed the lawsuit. A pair of researchers claimed that directing federal funds for embryonic stem cell research discriminated against scientists using adult stem cells. In an article published by United States News and World Report, a scientist said stem-cell research suffered a 10-year setback with the ruling. The renewal of the research ban has sinister implications, according to Susan Solomon, CEO of the New York Embryo Foundation. She said the court ruling “allows a vocal minority to hold science hostage to a narrow political agenda”.
Political operatives consider usage of embryo order
The judge’s ruling will face an appeal by the Justice Department. Wall Street Journal coverage notes that other means of funding embryonic stem-cell research are being investigated by advocates of the practice. The potential payoff is being weighed by political strategists. The Journal talked to a Republican source who said “jobs” was probably a better G.O.P. talking point than embryo in the upcoming election. Given that most Americans think embryonic embryo is a good idea, Democrats could come out on the winning side of the debate. A revival of the debate may help the president. Obama is within the midst of a campaign to paint the upcoming ballot as a choice between planning to the future or clinging to the past.
The regulation managing embryo
The Justice Department said the administration would ask the district court to put its ruling on hold when the appeals court considers the issue. The law is the law, according to Marco Bolo of Colorado. In a remark on the U.S. News article, Bolo said the judge was simply upholding a 1996 legislations banning the usage of federal funds for embryonic embryo. Bolo contends that Obama cannot overturn existing legislation and that the judge is simply enforcing the regulation. To ensure that embryonic stem cell research continues is simple. The law must be changed.
Further reading
U.S. News and World Report
health.usnews.com
Wall Street Journal
wsj.com
