Following statements made last week by the US Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy Thompson, it is thought that the Bush administration will reach a decision about embryonic stem cell research within the next few weeks. Thompson is confident that a 'compromise position' can be found, allowing research to go ahead while taking into account 'the legal and ethical questions that have to be considered'. A decision has been promised by late June or early July.
Congress barred the use of federal money for research that would destroy embryos. However, the Clinton administration issued guidelines that would have allowed National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers to work on stem cells that had been extracted from embryos within the private sector. President Bush suspended these guidelines while a review of the scientific and ethical issues took place.
President Bush has expressed support for federal funding of research on stem cells extracted from adults, but although adult stem cells have been showing therapeutic potential, some scientists believe this is not as much as comes from embryonic stem cells. The Bush administration is said to be 'deeply divided' over the issue, and Thompson acknowledged that there are 'strong political cross pressures' on the issue. Sources from inside the White House believe that Karl Rove, one of Bush's top political advisers, has been leading the campaign opposing federal funding.
A poll taken by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research was recently delivered to the White House. It showed 77 per cent support for embryonic stem cell research. Amongst 'pro-lifers' there was 69 per cent support.
Sources and References
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Bush administration is split over stem cell research
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Stem cell research debated
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Stem cell research divides administration
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