Vote on Stem Cell Research Spotlights Need for Federal Oversight

(This statement can be attributed to Dr. Marcy Darnovsky, Associate Executive Director of the Center for Genetics and Society)

The stem cell research bill that is expected to pass the House of Representatives tomorrow is a welcome sign of significant bipartisan support on an issue that until now has been divisive. After its consideration by the Senate, we hope that President Bush will rethink his restrictive funding policy and sign the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

However, bipartisan support poses challenges for research advocates. At present, the United States lacks comprehensive oversight of stem cell research and other human biotechnologies. This glaring regulatory vacuum needs to be filled if the benefits of stem cell research are to be realized and its risks avoided.

In addition, the stem cell debate has been hampered by partisan polarization and overblown rhetoric. A more thoughtful approach is needed if the public and policy makers are to understand the benefits, risks, and implications of stem cell research. Among the important issues that will be discussed in coming weeks and months are the use of cloning techniques to derive stem cells, and the recently announced derivation of a new kind of stem cell from amniotic fluid.

We urgently need bipartisan support for more productive debate about stem cell research, and bipartisan initiatives directed at creating comprehensive oversight.

The Center for Genetics and Society is a public interest organization advocating responsible use and effective societal governance of the new human biotechnologies. It supports human embryonic stem cell research and public funding for it, but has raised concerns about the conduct, oversight, and implications of stem cell research. CGS has been a prominent critic of the $3-billion California stem cell research program.  For more information, see our website at www.genetics-and-society.org and our blog, Biopolitical Times, at www.biopoliticaltimes.org.

Contact: 
Marcy Darnovsky
510-625-0819 x305