February 17, 2005

Legislation Aims to Enhance the Effectiveness of Stem Cell Research

Washington, DC – Senator Gordon Smith and a bipartisan group of senators have introduced the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which expands the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research. The bill aims to accelerate the scientific progress toward cures and treatments for chronic diseases and debilitating health conditions.

“This bill gives researchers the flexibility they need to help save lives,” said Smith. “It is impossible to ask scientists to deliver the cures for today’s worst diseases when they are working with yesterday’s capabilities.”

Current law prohibits federally funded research on stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001. Smith’s bill updates current law, granting researchers access to federal funds regardless of the date on which the stem cell lines were derived. The Act institutes stronger ethical standards for stem cell researchers, requiring the exclusive use of excess embryos donated for the purposes of fertility treatment and those which have been contractually released by donors.

“With this law, we will move safely and responsibly toward ending the most tragic diseases that many families struggle with every day,” Smith said.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will continue to issue the guidelines that ensure federally funded researchers adhere to ethical considerations. The bill also mandates that the HHS Secretary report annually to Congress about the status of federally funded stem cell research.

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