Ban With Stem Cell Research Returns Being A Hot-button Political Issue
A ban on stem cell research is back in the limelight, just in time for the midterm elections. In a choice on Aug. 23, a U.S. district judge reinstated prohibitions on embryonic stem-cell research. Religious organizations backed a pair of researchers who sued to overturn an executive order from President Obama permitting federal funds for stem cell research using human embryos. Obama fulfilled a campaign promise by ending prohibitions initiated in 2001 by his predecessor. The judge cast a pall over research being conducted on diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Scientific organizations registered their disgust. An appeal strategy is being formulated by the administration. The political utility of the stem cell issue is being evaluated by both parties.
Religion trumps scientific disciplines with embryo final decision
Scientists engaged in stem cell research were blindsided when a judge renewed the Bush ban. The court challenge was filed by Nightlight Christian Adoptions and other religious organizations. Scientists supported by the plaintiffs charged that research using adult stem cells was being discriminated against by providing federal assistance to programs using stem cells from embryos. A United States News and World Report article said that the temporary injunction cripples embryonic stem-cell research by setting it back 10 years. Susan Solomon, CEO of the New York Stem cell Foundation, said the return of the Bush bar means that a minority of activists has co-opted scientific disciplines with politics to further their agenda.
Are embryos nevertheless a divisive political issue?
An appeal by the Justice Department on the court finding is inevitable. Wall Street Journal coverage notes that other means of funding embryonic stem-cell research are being investigated by advocates of the practice. Political operatives are exploring the utility of the issue. A Republican strategist told the Journal that stem cell research may help motivate loyal anti-abortion voters, but jobs will get more attention. Given that most Americans think embryonic stem-cell research is a good idea, Democrats could come out on the winning side of the debate. The stem cell dustup may help President Obama as he works to frame the midterm elections as a choice between moving the country forward or backward.
Embryo and the legislations
When the issue is in appeal, the administration will work to convince the district court to suspend its ruling, according to the Justice Department. In a comment submitted on the United States of America News article, Marco Bolo of Colorado said the judge based his order on a law banning federal funds for study using stem cell research that has been on the books since 1996. Obama has no authority to erase a law on the books, he contends, and the judge is bound to enforce the law. To ensure that embryonic stem cell research continues is simple. The law must be changed.
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