Number: RS21044
Title: Background and Legal Issues Related to Human EmbryonicStem Cell Research
Authors: Edward Chan-Young Liu, American Law Division 
Abstract: Federal funding of human embryonic stem cell procurement is prohibited by actions of both Congress and the current administration. Similarly, executive branch policy currently regulates the availability of federal funds for research using independently created embryonic stem cell lines. Pursuant to President Bush's August 2001 announcement, federal funds may be used to conduct research on certain human embryonic stem cells. Federal funding is limited to "the more than 60" existing stem cell lines that were derived (1) with the informed consent of the donors; (2) from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes; and (3) without any financial inducements to the donors. No federal funds may be used for the derivation or use of stem cell lines derived from newly destroyed embryos; the creation of any human embryos for research purposes; or cloning of human embryos for any purposes. During the 110th Congress, at least 10 bills responding to the limitations imposed by the President's 2001 announcement, including the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 3/S. 5/S. 997), have been introduced but none have yet become law.
Pages: 6
Date: January 25, 2008