Scientific research on fetal stem cells is new and the outcomes are not yet
evident. Therefore, it is too early for NORD to take a policy position at this
time. NORD's reasoning is as follows:
Scientific research on stem cells derived from adults and cord blood is moving
ahead at a rapid pace, and therapeutic applications are being explored in a
limited number of medical conditions. Advancements in fetal stem cell research,
however, have been slow. Federal funding for this research in the United States
is limited to research involving 21 viable fetal stem cell lines that were approved
by the federal government in 2001. Federal funding will not support research
using new stem cell lines, but some scientists believe the quality of the existing
21 lines is inferior.
Some scientific experts believe the pace of this research would be quickened
if more cell lines were available for research, and if federal funds could be
used for these investigations. However, when NORD queried its member organizations,
the great majority of organizations replied that they have not taken an official
position on fetal stem cell research. They believe that current scientific evidence
is too preliminary to make a judgment on the possible therapeutic value of fetal
stem cells. Some have expressed concerns that media claims about the value of
this research have overpromised new treatments and cures, possibly leading to
false hopes for desperate families.
Proponents of granting federal support for research utilizing additional stem
cell lines argue that the 21 cell lines are not genetically or racially diverse
enough to meet research needs, and more cell lines should be started. However,
while research funded and undertaken by the private sector and overseas scientists
has created additional cell lines, this has not yet led to therapeutic breakthroughs.
NORD therefore believes that the technology and its results are at too preliminary
a stage to provide the basis for NORD to develop an informed position. We will
continue to monitor progress in the public and private research sectors and
re-visit the issue when appropriate.
Check here to read about events on Capitol Hill, funding for rare-disease research, and other topics of interest from NORD's office in Washington, DC.