Does all stem cell research involve the destruction of human embryos or the use of aborted fetal tissue?
The National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) has identified many potential avenues of stem cell research which would not involve the use of human embryos. Included in these are techniques which would stimulate the growth and specialization of stem cells found in adult tissues and the use of stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. Recent scientific breakthroughs have demonstrated that the destruction of embryos may indeed not be at all necessary to achieve the benefits promised by stem cell research. Federal funds should be allotted to develop these alternative methods of stem cell research rather than those which require embryo destruction — even if the latter promises more rapid medical advances. • Is the government now funding the destruction of embryos? The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that federal funds may legally be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells. Although federal funds may not be used to finance the dest
