Until the guidelines and oversight process have been finalized, researchers cannot use federal funds for human stem cell research. Another group, a presidential panel known as the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, is reviewing this issue. It is expected to recommend next month that federal funds be allowed for specific research on abandoned, unwanted human embryos. The research would be limited to deriving stem cells, from which all the tissues and organs of the body develop. Because of the substantial potential medical benefits of human stem cell research for people with Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association's Board of Directors voted at its May meeting to oppose any ban on federal funding for such research provided appropriate ethical and oversight guidelines are in place.
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to divide without limit and to form specialized cells.
Recent published reports have discussed the isolation and successful culturing of embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are the cells in embryos from which all the tissues and organs of the body develop. Although these cells can form virtually every type of cell found in the human body, they cannot form a human because they are unable to form the placenta and other supporting tissues necessary for fetal development in the human uterus. In IVF, embryos were originally made for purposes of reproduction, not research. Informed consent was obtained from the donor couples.