Murray - thanks for posting the article from the Chicago Tribune "Embryonic clones tied to medical advances New research on stem cells stirs moral debate" As I read this article from the Chicago Tribune, I couldn't help but wonder if the media has again contributed to confusion over the issue currently being decided by the Bush Administration and the DHHS -- whether or not to fund research utilizing stem cells derived from left-over embryos from fertility clinics under the current NIH guidelines. The NIH guidelines clearly prohibit funding of research involving human cloning. S. 2015 - the Stem Cell Research Act of 2001 also prohibits it. Both are very specific and narrow in terms of what type of research may be funded -- and the creation of human embryos and human cloning are NOT to be funded under the current guidelines (see below) I don't think this distinction is being explained clearly and accurately by the news media, and the resulting confusion could create a political and public opinion backlash against NIH funding of any stem cell research. Any other thoughts or opinions on this? Linda ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is hereby publishing final National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. The Guidelines establish procedures to help ensure that NIH-funded research in this area is conducted in an ethical and legal manner. EFFECTIVE DATE: These Guidelines are effective on August 25, 2000. The moratorium on research using human pluripotent stem cells derived from human embryos and fetal tissue put in place by the Director, NIH, in January 1999, will be lifted on August 25, 2000. II. Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells that is Eligible for NIH Funding A. Utilization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Embryos 2. Conditions for the Utilization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived From Human Embryos Studies utilizing pluripotent stem cells derived from human embryos may be conducted using NIH funds only if the cells were derived (without Federal funds) from human embryos that were created for the purposes of fertility treatment and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment. III. Areas of Research Involving Human Pluripotent Stem Cells that are Ineligible for NIH Funding Areas of research ineligible for NIH funding include: A. The derivation of pluripotent stem cells from human embryos; B. Research in which human pluripotent stem cells are utilized to create or contribute to a human embryo; C. Research utilizing pluripotent stem cells that were derived from human embryos created for research purposes, rather than for fertility treatment; D. Research in which human pluripotent stem cells are derived using somatic cell nuclear transfer, i.e., the transfer of a human somatic cell nucleus into a human or animal egg; E. Research utilizing human pluripotent stem cells that were derived using somatic cell nuclear transfer, i.e., the transfer of a human somatic cell nucleus into a human or animal egg; F. Research in which human pluripotent stem cells are combined with an animal embryo; and G. Research in which human pluripotent stem cells are used in combination with somatic cell nuclear transfer for the purposes of reproductive cloning of a human. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- S. 2015 -- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stem Cell Research Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL GENERATION AND RESEARCH. ``(a) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may only conduct, support, or fund research on human embryos for the purpose of generating embryonic stem cells and utilizing stem cells that have been derived from embryos in accordance with this section. ``(b) SOURCES OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS.--For purposes of carrying out research under subsection (a), the human embryonic stem cells involved shall be derived only from embryos that have been donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics after compliance with the following: ``(1) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the progenitors, it is determined that the embryos will never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded. ``(2) The embryos are donated with the written informed consent of the progenitors. ``(c) RESTRICTIONS.-- ``(1) IN GENERAL.--The following restriction shall apply with respect to human embryonic stem cell research conducted or supported under subsection (a): ``(A) The research involved shall not result in the creation of human embryos. ``(B) The research involved shall not result in the reproductive cloning of a human being. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn