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Mackenzie asked <<it seems to me this bill must be aiming to authorize *federal funding* for research using excess IVF embryos... is that correct? it doesn't say that in the synopsis, but that must be what it is about - please confirm, if possible - because i am currently under the impression that privately funded research using IVF embryos is legal.>> Yes, you're right . Under current policy, federal money may be used for research on embryonic stem cells derived before Aug. 9, 2001 only. These stem cells have been found to be limited to about 22 lines or less, and contaminated by mouse feeder cells, so they could not be used to treat humans. H.R. 810 would allow federally funded research witth new colonies of stem cells, derived from leftover embryos in fertility clinics, that would otherwise be discarded. here is the text of the bill GPO's PDF Display Congressional Record References Bill Summary & Status Printer http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.810: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (Introduced in House) HR 810 IH 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 810 To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ A BILL To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005'. SEC. 2. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. Part H of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 498C the following: `SEC. 498D. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. `(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any regulation or guidance), the Secretary shall conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells in accordance with this section (regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo) . `(b) Ethical Requirements- Human embryonic stem cells shall be eligible for use in any research conducted or supported by the Secretary if the cells meet each of the following: `(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment. `(2) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded. `(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation. `(c) Guidelines- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of NIH, shall issue final guidelines to carry out this section. `(d) Reporting Requirements- The Secretary shall annually prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this section during the preceding fiscal year, and including a description of whether and to what extent research under subsection (a) has been conducted in accordance with this section.'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn