White House Statement on Human Stem Cell Research
U.S. Newswire
14 Jul 18:00
White House Statement on Human Stem Cell Research
To: National Desk
Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-2100
WASHINGTON, July 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement
released today by the White House:
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
Last November, the President asked his National Bioethics
Advisory Commission to undertake a thorough review of all of the
ethical and medical considerations associated with human stem cell
research. In the ensuing months, a national dialogue took place
highlighting the potential applications of stem cells for treating
people with diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and
spinal cord injury. Ethical issues were also central to this debate,
including a wide range of religious and philosophical views that are
a part of the fabric of our democratic culture. NBAC has completed
its deliberations and appears ready to endorse the medical promise
and ethical acceptability of certain types of human stem cell
research.
The Clinton Administration recognizes that human stem cell
technology's potential medical benefits are compelling and worthy of
pursuit, so long as the research is conducted according to the
highest ethical standards. NIH is putting in place guidelines and an
oversight system that will ensure that the cells are obtained in an
ethically sound manner. The President's 1994 ban on the use of
Federal funds for the creation of human embryos for research purposes
will remain in effect. No other legal actions are necessary at this
time, because it appears that human embryonic stem cells will be
available from the private sector. Publicly funded research using
these cells is permissible under the current Congressional ban on
human embryo research.
The President acknowledges the hard work of Chairman Dr. Harold
Shapiro and other members of the National Bioethics Advisory
Commission in their thoughtful consideration of a complex and
sensitive matter.
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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/
07/14 18:00
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