Abstract:
Abstract: Research using embryonic stem cells may lead to great medical
advances because of their ability to differentiate into nearly any type of human tissue.
Currently, the United States regulates embryonic stem cell research by limiting the stem
cell lines that can be studied using federal money or by scientists working at federallyfunded
institutions. The states are left to regulate privately funded research, if they
choose. This creates a situation in which federally-funded research is severely limited,
while private funds may be used to conduct ethically problematic research.
In contrast, the Australian Parliament has passed legislation regulating embryonic
stem cell research and limiting the sources of new stem cell lines to embryos originally
created for infertility treatments but beyond the needs of the person or couple being
treated. The Australian laws outline the informed consent procedure required before
excess embryos can be donated and set up a regulatory framework to ensure that stem
cell research is conducted ethically.
The United States should follow Australia's lead and pass legislation that would
allow federally-funded researchers to derive new embryonic stem cell lines from excess
embryos left over after infertility treatments. This system reaches a compromise between
those who oppose stem cell research and those who believe it should be fully supported
because of the enormous potential for new medical treatments. Passing legislation
similar to Australia's will allow the United States to explore the potential medical
benefits of stem cell research, while avoiding the ethical dilemmas that arise when
researchers are allowed to create cloned embryos for the sole purpose of deriving new
stem cell lines.
