NIH approves stem cell lines as Obama revamps bioethics panel

WASHINGTON (RNS) The National Institutes of Health has approved the first human embryonic stem cell lines for research after President Obama lifted Bush-era bans on such research last March. “In accordance with the guidelines, these stem cell lines were derived from embryos that were donated under ethically sound informed consent processes,” said Dr. Francis S. […]

WASHINGTON (RNS) The National Institutes of Health has approved the first human embryonic stem cell lines for research after President Obama lifted Bush-era bans on such research last March.

“In accordance with the guidelines, these stem cell lines were derived from embryos that were donated under ethically sound informed consent processes,” said Dr. Francis S. Collins, NIH director, in a Wednesday (Dec. 2) announcement.

“More lines are under review now, and we anticipate continuing to expand this list of responsibly derived lines eligible for NIH funding.”


Eleven of the first 13 lines that were approved were produced at Children’s Hospital Boston, and the other two were developed by Rockefeller University in New York.

While critics of embryonic research object to the destruction of embryos required to harvest the stem cells, supporters say it holds the potential of treatment for a range of diseases.

NIH guidelines released in July stipulate that federally funded research would only be permitted on excess embryos at fertility clinics that otherwise would have been discarded.

The NIH announcement follows the creation of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues on Nov. 24.

“As our nation invests in science and innovation and pursues advances in biomedical research and health care, it’s imperative that we do so in a responsible manner,” Obama said in a statement announcing the commission.

Obama’s executive order notes that commission members “may examine issues linked to specific technologies, including but not limited to the creation of stem cells by novel means.” They may also look at broader issues such as “the intersection of science and human rights.”


Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania and a scholar of ethics and public policy, was chosen as chair of the commission. The vice chair is James W. Wagner, president of Emory University, which has a Center for Ethics on its Atlanta campus.

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!