In addition, the agency wants to prohibit federal funds for research that would use stem cells to create a human embryo, to clone a human or combine human stem cells with animal embryos. Despite those restrictions, critics attacked the guidelines as providing for government-funded killing of human embryos. The NIH will take public comments for 60 days before issuing final guidelines. Federal law prohibits research on human embryos, but Clinton administration officials have said they thought stem cell research would be legal if private firms cultivate the cells for studies. But a U.S. senator said the new guidelines violate federal law.
Researchers hope that stem cells can grow into tissues or possibly complete organs for transplants.
They think stem-cell research could help fight ailments such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes or heart disease. A coalition of health groups that supports stem cell research welcomed the NIH proposals, saying the group recognizes the controversy and the need for restrictions.