Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Stem cells

Embryonic stem cells were first isolated in November 1998.

Immediately therafter: Bill Clinton requested a review of the issues surrounding stem cell research by the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC).

September 1999: NBAC releases its report, concluding that the federal government should fund research on human embyronic stem cells.

December 1999: National Institutes of Health (NIH) releases draft guidelines allowing federally funded research on embryonic stem cells derived in the private sector, and providing for stringent oversight of such research.

August 2000: NIH releases final guidelines and with the backing of President Bill Clinton, solicited applications for its first embryonic research cell research grants.

(Source: Science and Technology in Congress (STC), published by the Center for Science, Technology, and Congress at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).)

So the next time George W Bush boasts that he is the only president ever to approve funding for embryonic stem cell research, feel free to throw something at him (or your television).

John Kerry referenced Christopher Reeve in last Friday's debate. Of course, if he does so this evening, it may resonate a little more deeply.

A vote for Bush is a vote for kryptonite.

1 comment:

Isabella K said...

Apparently, though the name-dropping by Kerry on Friday went unnoticed, Edwards' reference on Monday to Reeve as "a powerful voice for the need to do stem cell research and change the lives of people like him," is "crass" and "shameful."