“In accordance with the guidelines, these stem cell lines were derived from embryos that were donated under ethically sound informed consent processes,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins in a recent announcement.
While critics of embryonic research object to the destruction of embryos required to harvest the stem cells, supporters say it holds the potential of treatment for a range of diseases.
NIH guidelines released in July stipulate that federally-funded research would only be permitted on excess embryos at fertility clinics that otherwise would have been discarded.
The NIH announcement followed the creation of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues nn November. “As our nation invests in science and innovation and pursues advances in biomedical research and health care, it’s imperative that we do so in a responsible manner,” Obama said in a statement announcing the commission.
