...Stem Cell Research Legislation Human stem cell research is a very touchy subject. The negative attention it has drawn from the press and politicians has detoured many researchers and scientists from the field. “After the scientific and political obstacles are overcome, it is anticipated that the human stem cell research field will make a tremendous difference in conditions, such as burn traumas and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as a number of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and myocardial infarction(Turksen, 2006).” In my opinion, the field of regenerative medicine is the key to a longer, healthier life. Without the use of human stem cell research, the conditions and diseases that plague the world will never be cured. The history on human stem cell research legislation in the United States is just under a decade old. On August 9th 2001, then, President George W. Bush told the United States the regulations for human stem cell research. The regulation stated that only certain types of human stem cell research could be funded by the federal government. “The National Institute of Health (NIH) funding for research using human embryonic stem cells derived from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis, and/or in vitro fertilization embryos created for research purposes, is not allowed under these Guidelines ("Draft national institutes," 2009).” Some states disagree with this legislation; California...
Words: 1444 - Pages: 6
...Stem Cells: Past, Present, and Future Timothy T. Botts DeVry University: Online FALA10 Sec N Professor Jackie Sexson Stem cells are a difficult topic to breach without heated words arising on both sides of the debate. Research Legislation on stem cells has a long history, but in the United States, it is quite young. It seems with the change in the political powers of America comes a change in the views of stem cell research and its legislation. The NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 was signed into law by President Clinton. It was through this Act that in vitro fertilization (IVF) research was congressionally sanctioned without prior approval of the Ethics Advisory Board. President Clinton decided still to create a 19 member committee to oversee the ethical dimensions of this research. The committee was called the NIH Human Embryo Research Panel. This committee came back in September of 94’ and their decision was that government spending should be allotted and that human embryos could be specifically created for research. President Clinton decided not to take the panel’s suggestion and enacted an executive directive prohibiting federal funding on research to support the creation of human embryos used exclusively for research purposes. President Clinton mandated that federal funds can only be applied to research using human stem cells derived from frozen embryos that were created for purposes of infertility treatment and were in excess of clinical need or from fetal tissue...
Words: 1687 - Pages: 7
...Maffei Stem Cell Research Essay Majority of the general population knows or has heard something in reference to stem cell research, weather it is from magazine articles or news, at some point in our daily lives we’ve heard the term “Stem Cell Research.” Stem cells due to their controversial nature, has seen numerous changes in the legislation governing its research and the types of stem cells – weather it is fetal, cord, embryonic, etc... – The legislation affecting stem cells can determine where the U.S. stands on this ground breaking research. According to Lanza, A simple definition for stem cells is as follows “a stem cell is a cell that has the potential to develop into a number of different types of cells in the body.” (2011). Basically, stem cells are the base of all organs and tissues in the human body, a master cell of some sort. Stems cell, also have the potential be the backbone of many medical breakthroughs in centuries to come, from age prevention to helping with disabilities such as blindness, inability to walk, etc... As mention earlier in this paper there are many types of stem cells, but for purpose of this paper I shall focus on adult & embryonic stem cells. An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that is found amongst differentiated cells in an organ or tissue that processes the ability to renew itself, as well as differentiate into other specialized cell types. By their nature, adult stem cells aren’t as controversial as embryonic stem cells...
Words: 1730 - Pages: 7
...Embryonic Stem Cell Research Legislation and related legal issues Heidi Brannen Law 310 Professor Floyd June 1 Human embryonic stem cell research has been and will continue to be a very controversial issue in society all over the world. Many countries have recognized the importance of this research and its benefits, while others have continued to make such research illegal with no plans to change in the near future. This paper will be discussing the past, current, and hopeful future legislation in regards to embryonic stem cell research and how it could affect the future of medical advancement. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Legislation and related legal issues Research on human embryos and fetuses has been in development for decades with the first well known development being the polio vaccine which stemmed from work on cultures of human fetal kidney cells in the 1950’s. The controversy of such research is not so much in the science of the research itself, but in how the cells are obtained from unborn embryos and fetuses in their earliest stages of development. In the 1970’s, the controversy focused on research involving fetuses in utero, aimed at developing techniques such as amniocentesis and improving the understanding of conditions such as congenital heart disease, as well as on research involving tissue from aborted fetuses of the type that led to the polio vaccine. Federal funding of this research was halted until guidelines and safeguards...
Words: 1499 - Pages: 6
...Stem Cell Research Legislation Manny Garcia Jr English 135 Ms. Miller February 12, 2010 Abstract This paper explains that the ethical dilemma involved in stem cell research is a rather straight- forward process because to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stem cells from fetuses. As well the history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in United States and what the current legislature state of affairs is and where the law on stem cell should go in the future. The issue of stem cell research burst on the scientific in November of 1998 when researchers first reported the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The discovery, made by Dr. James A Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, offered great promise for new ways of treating disease. The cells, which are derived from several day old embryos, can theoretically differentiate into virtually any type of human cell, from blood cells to skim cell. Scientists hope to find ways of using them to repair damaged tissue. Although research is only in the early stages, there is a growing consensus among researchers that many very effective medical treatments can be realized through cloning stem cells. This is because these cells can be made to replicate specific human tissues. These cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissue to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal...
Words: 2025 - Pages: 9
...Gm 520 Final Stem Cell Research Legislation Manny Garcia Jr English 135 Ms. Miller February 12, 2010 Abstract This paper explains that the ethical dilemma involved in stem cell research is a rather straight- forward process because to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stem cells from fetuses. As well the history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in United States and what the current legislature state of affairs is and where the law on stem cell should go in the future. The issue of stem cell research burst on the scientific in November of 1998 when researchers first reported the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The discovery, made by Dr. James A Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, offered great promise for new ways of treating disease. The cells, which are derived from several day old embryos, can theoretically differentiate into virtually any type of human cell, from blood cells to skim cell. Scientists hope to find ways of using them to repair damaged tissue. Although research is only in the early stages, there is a growing consensus among researchers that many very effective medical treatments can be realized through cloning stem cells. This is because these cells can be made to replicate specific human tissues. These cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissue to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's...
Words: 2022 - Pages: 9
...Stem Cell Research Legislation Stem Cell Research Legislation Ross Buscemi The Legal Environment Brian Swerine Abstract In researching stem cell legislation I found a wide variety of views both for and against. Legislation and Stem Cell Research has been a long running battle between Religious groups and Scientific Researchers placing the Government in the middle. Religious Groups and Anti-abortion groups claim that it is unethical to use embryonic stem cells. They firmly believe that once the egg has been fertilized, that is when life begins. They are afraid that it would make abortion more acceptable. Scientists in the private sector however disagree and perform the research out of the purview of the Government in privately funded research labs. They have been doing stem cell research in order to find cures for cancer, diabetes, wound healing, digestive and kidney disease to name a few. Stem Cell Research Legislation Introduction Currently in the United States, the history of embryonic stem cell research has been bitterly debated since shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision regarding abortion under Roe v. Wade back in 1973 where abortion was legalized. Since then the various administrations have banned the use of tax dollars for research on embryos, fetuses, and embryonic or fetal tissue, while permitting research in the private sector. This restriction has made most research regarding infertility and treatment, including In vitro fertilization, into the private...
Words: 1488 - Pages: 6
...Research paper on Stem Cell Research Legislation and the related legal issues: What is the history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in the United States? How does it compare to comparable statutes in the rest of the world? In this paper talk about what the current legislative state of affairs is and where the law on stem cells in the United States should go in the future and why. Make sure you use ample research and cited sources to support your arguments but make sure to state your own opinion on the issues as well. Stem Cell Research TJ AS OF: 2/4/2009--Introduced. Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) prior to donation, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of...
Words: 3563 - Pages: 15
...WEEK 6: Stem Cell Research Legislation Course Project Abstract Stem cell research while very important in the medical field has and continues to be a source of controversy. Over the years legislation in the United States has gone back and forth over what is deemed acceptable and ethical as it pertains to this research. Due to recent legislation the ability exists to realize the potential of this research both in the United States and globally. It would be in the best interest of humankind for this research to continue with allowance and funding from the government. According to the National Institutes of Health Resource for Stem Cell Research: Stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. (n.d.) Although these cells have these unique capabilities to possibly save lives, they are also the center of much controversy surrounding their usage. The debate on the ethicality...
Words: 1583 - Pages: 7
...know about. The quote is “But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy ("Nancy Pelosi - Wikiquote", 2011, p. 1).” Free health care for all is a utopian idea that cannot work in how society currently functions, but it makes many feel good to vote for it. This bill was passed fast without time for any legislator to understand what was in the bill. Currently there is a bill that just passed the judiciary committee in the US Senate that supposedly will benefit the American public by “reforming immigration”. It is different from ACA in that it is out for the public to read and there are many that are against this legislation causing it to slow down and be possibly stopped by the high information people that understand the flaws that are in this legislation. Guns are technology that are and have been in the news. A gun is a tool, an inanimate object that...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
...FALFA11 Sec E The history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in the United States Adult stem cell research on humans began in the 1960's, first achieving success in the treatment of a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency disorder in 1968. Since the early 1970's, adult stem cells have been successfully used for treatment of immunodeficiency and leukemia. Many are in support of the scope, nature, necessity and urgency of stem cell research. If the possibility is there to preserve life and cure diseases such as Cancer, Leukemia, Heart Disease AIDS/HIV, the United States Federal Government should issue more funds towards stem cell research. Those very same people that are against stem cell research may someday find themselves in dire need stem cells to save their lives. A German AIDS patient was able to stop drugs he had been taking for 10 years after getting a transplant of stem cells from a donor with a rare gene variant known to resist the deadly disease. The transplant also cured his leukemia, researchers reported. Embryonic stem cell research does not appear to be ethical and it seems as if a life is being taken in the process. One can’t help but pose the question, “when do the actual stages of life begin”? A Blastocyst is a thin-walled hollow structure in early embryonic development that contains a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass from which the embryo arises. The outer layer of cells gives rise to the placenta and other supporting tissues needed for...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
...Stem Cell Research How does a complex organism such as person, develop from a stem cell? Undifferentiated cells which can divide themselves and grow for a long time without becoming any particular type of cell are defined as stem cells. Stem cells are important for life because they can transform themselves into any type of cell. The stem has an cell amazing ability to transform itself have allowed scientist to help replace cells that have been lost or damaged due to injury or trauma. Stem cell research will offer room for advancement in medicine because of the cells remarkable ability to change itself and replace damaged neural cell in the brain and spinal cord. In this paper I am addressing issues on the reasons why I am supporting stem cell research. Stem cell research is a breakthrough in science. It has the potential to cure some of the world’s most incurable diseases. I believe that stem cell research should be used just for medical reasons. Research! America.org supports the funding for stem cell research in both adult and embryonic cell lines. This organization has been diligently working to protect stem cell research at the state and federal levels by partnering up with the Stem Cell Action Coalition and the Coalition for Advancing Medical Research. (Research! America ). Former President George W. Bush permitted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, providing that a limited number of the damage cells were to be replaced by stem cells. Bush said the...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Stem Cell Research Legislation and the Related Legal Issues LAWS 310, Legal Environment Course Project Week 6 October 4, 2011 “In the beginning there is the stem cell; it is the origin of an organism's life. It is a single cell that can give rise to progeny that differentiate into any of the specialized cells of embryonic or adult tissues.” STEWART SELL, Stem Cells Handbook Have you ever thought that humans would eventually see the day where we could cure the incurable? That there would be a solution to cancer, AIDS, and birth defects? A miracle among human beings is being researched and it is thanks to stem cell research. Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) is probably the most significant and compelling area of medical research today, whether in reality, or perception, or both. Stem cell research is used for investigation of basic cells which develop organisms. The cells are grown in laboratories where tests are carried out to investigate fundamental properties of the cells. Any step of advancement in this research can create a cure in the world of sickness in ways that were only imagined (Haydock, DeJesus, 2011). The use of stem cells could potentially cure diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, heart conditions, and more. The history of stem cell research has endured quite a journey. From being a breakthrough in science to being banned by the President, Embryonic Stem Cell Research has come a long way in the fight to be viewed as ethical and...
Words: 1564 - Pages: 7
...30 years there has been debate over Stem Cell Research. In November of 1998 when researchers first reported the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The discovery, made by Dr. James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, offered great promise for new ways of treating disease. With this great discovery much debate came over stem cell research. Even though Dr. Thomson research was extraordinary this topic has been in debate for over thirty-years. During this time the legislation had been revised to in compass new advancement in the research along with protect the public interest. The question that is continually being evaluated is the use of stem cell ethical. In 1973, Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade rules that decisions about abortion are private, between a woman and her doctor. Some States may not forbid abortion in first two trimesters. This decision sparks a large, politically active anti-abortion movement that opposes research on embryos. Members of Congress become concerned about research exploitation of embryos and fetuses that will be aborted. (Wertz, 2002) In 1974,Congress applies its own temporary moratorium on federally funded clinical research on embryos and embryonic tissue, including research on IVF, infertility, and prenatal diagnosis, until national guidelines can be established. A de facto moratorium continues until the present. Basic, non-therapeutic, research using embryonic cells continues, out of public view. Congress...
Words: 2715 - Pages: 11
...Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell research dates as far back as the early 1900’s when scientists discovered that certain cells could produce more cells in both animals and humans. In 1961, two scientists, Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch, proved the existence of cells that can “self-renew repeatedly for various uses.” (“Stem cell history,” 2011). Stem cells are an important element to medical research. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “there are four primary sources for embryonic stem cells: existing stem cell lines, aborted or miscarried embryos, unused in vitro fertilized embryos, and cloned embryos.” (2008). In order to extract stem cells found within an embryo, the embryo will be destroyed in the removal process. This is where the ethical and funding debates come in to play. The debate over embryonic stem cell research is politically divided among Democrats and Republicans. As history has shown, Democrats seem to be more supportive of expanding the research as a whole, while Republicans are only supportive of expanding the research as long as it does not involve destroying or harming human embryos. The first time the U.S. government and Department of Health and Human Services placed a ban on researching embryos was after the famous 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that allowed private abortions. The government was worried about the aborted fetuses becoming exploited for research purposes, so they temporarily suspended...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
