President's Bioethics Council Releases Stem Cell Report

The President's Council on Bioethics released a report titled Monitoring Stem Cell Research in January 2004. The Report chronicles recent developments made in stem cell research under current federal policy and includes key statements by prominent stem cell investigators that provide further details on the issue.

However, the Report fails to discuss removing the obstacles that continue to constrain embryonic stem cell research, such as the Bush Administration's policy of restricting federal funding to only those stem cell lines derived prior to August 9, 2001. ASH has always maintained that the Administration should consider expanding such lines if and when necessary so scientific advancement is not limited.

The Society supports federal funding of both adult and embryonic stem cell research under strict guidelines and with appropriate public oversight. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to determine that either adult or embryonic stem cell research is more promising or hopeful than the other. ASH's policy is to support both avenues of stem cell research while working to help build the necessary consensus among scientists, Members of Congress, and the public in order to advance the health and well being of Americans through scientific and medical progress.

ASH is a member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), an organization of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine – including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer – in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering.