Embryonic Stem Cell Research:

   Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) are pluropotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, an early-stage embryo. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4–5 days post fertilization, at which time they consist of 50–150 cells.

http://www.wcpn.org/index.php/WCPN/news/25315

   Although embryonic stem cell research has been somewhat controversial in the past, and even in the present.  We feel that embryonic stem cells should be studied in the lab, and taken to the clinical trial stage as soon as it can be done safely.   Embryonic stem cells remain the gold standard of stem cell research, and will remain so for several decades to come.

   Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and any human cell or tissue type can be derived from their use, this makes them far more useful than any other type of stem cell currently available.  

   Embryonic stem cell research should be studied to the full capacity of our abilities, However strict regulation and oversight need to be in place to prevent their misuse.

   There are three classes of stem cells: totipotent, multipotent, and pluripotent. A fertilized egg is considered totipotent, meaning that its potential is total; it gives rise to all the different types of cells in the body. Stem cells that can give rise to a small number of different cell types are generally called multipotent. Pluripotent stem cells can give rise to any type of cell in the body except those needed to develop a fetus.

   Adult stem cells are multipotent: That is they have a limited ability to be used for curing disease, and can only differentiate into a limited number of cell or tissue types.
   Bone Marrow, skin, liver, and kidney are a few of the tissue types which are available through the use of adult stem cells.   Research should continue in this area for the possible overlapping effect which may be present between embryonic, and adult stem cells.

   Stem cells have potential in all areas of medical research. To begin with, stem cell research will help us to understand how they transform into the dazzling array of specialized cells that make us what we are.
   Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as birth defects, are due to problems that occur somewhere in this process. A better understanding of normal cell development will allow us to understand and fix these errors that cause these medical conditions. Another potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, kidney/liver disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

The development of stem cell lines that can produce many tissues of the human body is an important scientific breakthrough. This research has the potential to revolutionize the practice of medicine and improve the quality and length of life. Given the enormous promise of stem cells therapies for so many devastating diseases, the National Institutes of Health believes that it is important to simultaneously pursue all lines of research and search for the very best sources of these cells.

Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving
Human Stem Cells
   By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the
laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Research involving human embryonic stem cells and human
non-embryonic stem cells has the potential to lead to better understanding
and treatment of many disabling diseases and conditions. Advances over
the past decade in this promising scientific field have been encouraging,
leading to broad agreement in the scientific community that the research
should be supported by Federal funds.
   For the past 8 years, the authority of the Department of Health and Human
Services, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to fund and
conduct human embryonic stem cell research has been limited by Presidential
actions. The purpose of this order is to remove these limitations on scientific
inquiry, to expand NIH support for the exploration of human stem cell
research, and in so doing to enhance the contribution of America’s scientists
to important new discoveries and new therapies for the benefit of humankind.
Sec. 2. Research. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary),
through the Director of NIH, may support and conduct responsible, scientifically
worthy human stem cell research, including human embryonic stem
cell research, to the extent permitted by law.
Sec. 3. Guidance. Within 120 days from the date of this order, the Secretary,
through the Director of NIH, shall review existing NIH guidance and other
widely recognized guidelines on human stem cell research, including provisions
establishing appropriate safeguards, and issue new NIH guidance on
such research that is consistent with this order. The Secretary, through
NIH, shall review and update such guidance periodically, as appropriate.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent
with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or
the head thereof; or
(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit,
substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party
against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers,
employees, or agents, or any other person.
VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:51 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4705 Sfmt 4790 E:\FR\FM\11MRE0.SGM 11MRE0 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
10668 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 46 /Wednesday, March 11, 2009 / Presidential Documents
Sec. 5. Revocations. (a) The Presidential statement of August 9, 2001, limiting
Federal funding for research involving human embryonic stem cells, shall
have no further effect as a statement of governmental policy.
(b) Executive Order 13435 of June 20, 2007, which supplements the August
9, 2001, statement on human embryonic stem cell research, is revoked.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 9, 2009.