Embryonic stem cell research: the state of the union of "those who create the lines" and "those who draw the lines"

Abstract

Recent events have ostensibly removed the primacy of the United States in embryonic stem (ES) cell research. George Walker Bush was the first U.S. President to allow federal funding of ES cell research under guidelines influenced by statements from pre-eminent stem cell scientists. The guidelines delimiting federal funding of ES cell research put forth by President Bush were endorsed by the public, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and by, at least by silent assent, the scientific community. At the time, the President was assured by eminent scientists and advisors that ES cells were immortal and stable, many viable lines existed, and they could be used for years for research and therapy. These premises have now been publicly challenged and individual states and other countries have announced plans to proceed with research that would be considered outside of the President's guidelines. All have thus far discovered that removal of U.S. federal support and oversight not only blunts science, but also abdicates responsible stewardship of the scientific process as well as the resulting technology. So while California, Canada, New Jersey, and Britain engage in ES research, suddenly the process stops; and no advances are made. Below I present a historical account of the seminal events and statements of legislators and ES cell researchers leading to and from that decision. The Journal welcomes our readers' comments on the issue at hand.