What is the U.S. policy related to stem cell research established by President Bush on August 9, 2001?
On August 9th, 2001, President George W. Bush announced that federal funds may be awarded for research using human embryonic stem cells if the following criteria are met: • The derivation process (which begins with the destruction of the embryo) was initiated prior to 9:00 P.M. EDT on August 9, 2001. • The stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes and was no longer needed. • Informed consent must have been obtained for the donation of the embryo and that donation must not have involved financial inducements. The NIH, as the Federal government’s leading biomedical research organization, is implementing the President’s policy. The NIH funds research scientists to conduct research on existing human embryonic stem cells and to explore the enormous promise of these unique cells, including their potential to produce breakthrough therapies and cures. Investigators from ten laboratories in the United States, Australia, India, Israel, and Sweden
