A ban on stem cell research is back within the limelight, just in time for the midterm elections. A U.S. district judge once again blocked federal funding for embryonic embryo on Aug. 23. 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. Obama’s executive order overturned a ban imposed by George W. Bush in 2001. Progress in study on diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases was halted when the judge ruled in favor of the religious scientists. Scientific organizations registered their disgust. Talk of an appeal was urgent. The administration said it will follow through. Whether or not the stem cell issue will pay political dividends is being discussed among various campaigns. Source for this article – Ban on stem cell research returns as a hot-button political issue by Personal Money Store.
Religious beliefs comes out above science in embryo final decision
Scientists engaged in stem cell research were blindsided when a judge renewed the Bush ban. The suit was brought by Nightlight Christian Adoptions and other religious organizations. A pair of researchers claimed that directing federal funds for embryonic stem cell research discriminated against scientists using adult stem cells. A scientist quoted in a United States of America News and World Report article said the judgment turned the clock back a decade on stem cell research. The renewal of the research ban has sinister implications, as outlined by Susan Solomon, CEO of the New York Embryo Foundation. She said the court ruling “allows a vocal minority to hold science in captivity to a narrow political agenda”.
Usually are stem cells nevertheless a divisive issue with politics?
An appeal by the Justice Department on the court finding is inevitable. Wall Street Journal coverage notes that other means of funding embryonic embryo are being investigated by advocates of the practice. Political operatives are exploring the utility of the issue. The Journal quoted a G.O.P. consultant that doubted its value. Stem cell research could matter to anti-abortion loyalists, but unemployment probably has stronger divisive qualities. Because stem cell research is favored by most U.S. voters, the issue could benefit Democratic candidates. The stem cell dustup may help President Obama as he works to frame the midterm elections as a choice between moving the country forward or backwards.
The actual law managing stem cell research
An appeal could purchase time for stem-cell research in progress to continue. The Justice Department said that a proposal to put the order on hold during the appeal will be submitted to the district court by the administration. In a comment submitted on the U.S. News article, Marco Bolo of Colorado said that the judge depending his ruling on a law banning federal funds for study using stem cell research that has been on the books since 1996. Bolo said that the judge is enforcing legislation that cannot be fully nullified by an executive order. To ensure that embryonic stem cell research continues is simple. The law must be changed.
Additional reading
U.S. News and World Report
health.usnews.com
Wall Street Journal
wsj.com
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