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Stem Cell Research

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Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research: Course Project
Law310, Professor Smith
DeVry University
April 10, 2010
Stem Cell Research: Course Project
Law310, Professor Smith
DeVry University
April 10, 2010

Introduction Stem cell research is an extremely controversial topic within the United States and other countries. Every so often, new stem cell guidelines will change base on new bills present for consideration. Stem cell research laws are derived from President views. Stem cell research is so controversial that it changed throughout history, has similar comparable statutes to other countries, the new guidelines of stem cell laws and where should the law of stem cell research take place.
History of United States Legislation
The history of the United States legislation for stem cell research is extensive and controversial. Dr. James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of Madison Wisconsin offered great ideas in treating diseases using stem cell research (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010). In November 1998, researchers first reported the isolation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010). Dr. Thomson had so much promise in finding new ways to treat diseases, but was limited in his research because his work was ineligible for public funding (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010). The National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1996 appropriations bill will not fund any researchers that will use their money for the creation of a human embryo or using embryos for any research purposes (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010). Furthermore, any research that involves the destruction of embryos, discarding embryos or even subjecting the risk of injury or death greater allowed for research on fetuses in utero are not funded by the NIH (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010). With scientist offering great ideas and promise to the stem cell



References: American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2010, October 13). AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from http://www.aaas.org/spp/cstc/briefs/stemcells/ Hoffman, W. (2008, May). Stem Cell Policy: World Stem Cell Map. Retrieved from http://www.mbbnet.umn.edu/scmap.html Kington, R. (2011, January 12). National Institutes of Health Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009guidelines.htm

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