2010-04-14

Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Mike Castle (R-DE) introduced legislation on March 10 "to ensure a lasting ethical framework" for human stem cell research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Stem Cell Research Advancement Act (HR 4808) builds on President Obama's March 2009 Executive Order overturning former President Bush's restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct and support research on human stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, under the following conditions:

• The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of reproductive treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.
• It was determined through consultation with the individuals seeking reproductive treatment that the embryos to be donated would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded.
• The individuals seeking reproductive treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation.

In addition, the bill requires NIH to maintain guidelines on human stem cell research conducted or supported by HHS and to review the guidelines at least every three years and update them as warranted. The bill also explicitly bans federal funding for human cloning.

ASH was one of the first and few physician organizations at the forefront of the debate over federal research funding of embryonic stem cells, and the Society’s policy in support of all avenues of stem cell research is available online. ASH will continue to monitor this legislation and provide updates on any developments.

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