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A ban on stem cell research is back within the limelight, just in time for the midterm elections. A U.S. district judge again blocked federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research on Aug. 23. Religious organizations backed a pair of researchers who sued to overturn an executive order from President Obama permitting federal funds for stem cell research using human embryos. Obama’s executive order overturned a ban imposed by George W. Bush in 2001. The judge cast a pall over study being conducted on diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Scientists, as a group, are appalled. Talk of an appeal was urgent. The administration said it will follow through. The political utility of the stem cell issue is being evaluated by both parties.

Stem-cell study held hostage

A judge’s decision to renew the ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research caught the scientific community by surprise. The court challenge was filed by Nightlight Christian Adoptions and other religious organizations. Scientists supported by the plaintiffs charged that research using adult stem cells was being discriminated against by providing federal assistance to programs using stem cells from embryos. A scientist quoted in a United States News and World Report article said the ruling turned the clock back a 10 years with stem cell research. Susan Solomon, CEO of the New York Stem Cell Foundation, told United States of America News that the court determination “allows a vocal minority to hold scientific disciplines in captivity to a narrow political agenda”.

Politicians consider usage of embryo ruling

The Justice Department said it will appeal the judge’s decision. The Wall Street Journal reports that supporters of embryonic stem cell research in Congress are exploring solutions to maintain federal funding. 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 stem cell research 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 could help the president. Obama is in the midst of a campaign to paint the upcoming ballot as a choice between planning to the future or clinging to the past.

Stem cell research and also the legislations

When the issue is in appeal, the administration will work to convince the district court to suspend its ruling, according to the Justice Department. In a comment submitted on the United States of America News article, Marco Bolo of Colorado said the judge depending his judgment on a legislations banning federal funds for research using stem cell research that has been on the books since 1996. Bolo said that the judge is enforcing legislation that can’t be fully nullified by an executive order. To ensure that embryonic stem cell research continues is simple. The law must be changed.

More on this topic

U.S. News and World Report

health.usnews.com

Wall Street Journal

wsj.com