

#Stem cell research skin#
In November 2007, several new studies showed the potential of reprogramming adult cells, such as skin cells, to make them function like embryonic stem cells.The President has long supported these non-embryonic techniques, and there has been exciting progress over the past couple of years: Research indicates that pluripotent stem cells those that have the potential to develop into nearly all the cell types and tissues in the body can be derived without using or harming embryos. President Bush has encouraged scientific advancement of stem cell research within ethical boundaries by avoiding techniques that destroy life, while vigorously supporting alternative approaches. He believes that by enacting appropriate policy safeguards while encouraging the development of new scientific techniques, it is possible to advance science and medicine without violating moral principles. The President opposes any attempt to compel American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos. In addition, the Administration has provided nearly $3.7 billion for research on all forms of stem cells, including those from adult and other non-embryonic sources. Since 2001, the Administration has made more than $170 million available for research on stem cell lines derived from human embryos that had already been destroyed.

President Bush is the first President to provide Federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. This policy allowed the Federal government to support research on dozens of existing stem cell lines without sanctioning or encouraging the destruction of additional human embryos. In 2001, President Bush announced a balanced approach to stem cell research that would allow Federal funding for research using existing embryonic stem cell lines. President Bushs Balanced Stem Cell Policies Are Helping Advance Science And Ethics Together Research Has Justified President Bushs Commitment To Support Responsible Research Advancing Stem Cell Research In Ethical, Responsible Ways
