White House Hails Stem Cell Breakthrough

The White House issued a press release praising the announcement of a potential breakthrough in stem cell research today. The development, if confirmed, would allow scientists to reprogram human skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This advancement would circumvent the current debate over the ethics of stem cell research, since current techniques for harvesting stem cells require the destruction of a human embryo.

The statement began:

President Bush is very pleased to see the important advances in ethical stem cell research reported in scientific journals today. By avoiding techniques that destroy life, while vigorously supporting alternative approaches, President Bush is encouraging scientific advancement within ethical boundaries.

Early in his presidency, President Bush approved the use of Federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, a first. But, he limited the research eligible for funding to that being conducted using stem cell lines already developed on the day of his announcement, August 9, 2001. Since then embryonic stem cell research advocates, mainly Democrats, have complained that the limitations on funding have unnecessarily restricted the research, delaying progress on cures for sick and injured people. They have used the charge of insensitivity to the plight of the afflicted as a cudgel with which to beat back the arguments of their political opponents, mainly Republicans. Pro-life advocates have countered that the limitation strikes an ethical balance and that alternative techniques like adult stem cells hold more potential.

Today's announcement tips the scales in the favor of those arguing for a more ethical approach to the research. The White House made sure to lay claim to that ground in its statement.

In July 2006, the President highlighted research into the possibility of reprogramming adult skin cells into pluripotent stem cells without intruding on human embryos or eggs. The President's Executive Order issued in June 2007 was intended to accelerate precisely the kind of research being reported today. One of the studies announced today was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health operating under the President's stem cell policy.

The President believes medical problems can be solved without compromising either the high aims of science or the sanctity of human life. We will continue to encourage scientists to expand the frontiers of stem cell research and continue to advance the understanding of human biology in an ethically responsible way.

Among the biggest sponsors of embryonic stem cell research on the Democratic side is Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA). He too issued a statement today. He took a more cautious line than the president, but he did embrace the results as a positive step.

Our top researchers recognize that this new development does not mean that we should discontinue studying embryonic stem cells. Scientists may yet find that embryonic stem cells are more powerful. We need to continue to pursue all alternatives as we search for treatments for diabetes, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.

Success has many fathers and this research result is no exception. The debate over stem cells will likely continue and will just as likely be outpaced by further developments.