Federal Biotechnology Policy: Stem Cells and Beyond

By Center for Genetics and Society | 01.14.2009

Press Statement

Center for Genetics and Society releases policy brief for the Obama Administration

In anticipation of an expected policy change by President-elect Barack Obama regarding federal funding for stem cell research, the Center for Genetics and Society has released a policy brief, Responsible Federal Oversight of the New Human Biotechnologies: Opportunities for the New Administration. It is available now online [PDF].

"The incoming administration has an opportunity to make real progress on oversight and regulation of human biotechnologies," said Richard Hayes, PhD, the Center's executive director. "Until now, the polarized climate around human embryonic stem cell research has hampered productive dialogue and action."

The eight-page brief addresses three topics: immediate opportunities for policy action, how to productively reshape the human biotechnology policy debate, and human biotechnology issues likely to be prominent in the coming four years.

"We're pleased that President Obama will be lifting Bush's stem cell restrictions, but that's the easy part," added Marcy Darnovsky, PhD, associate executive director at the Center. "Over the next four years we can expect controversial developments around commercial gene testing, embryo selection, neuropharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes, synthetic biology, and more. Many of these pose real risks to both individuals and society. The new administration can begin taking steps now to get ahead of the curve on human biotechnology issues."

President Bush authorized federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research in 2001 but limited this funding to previously created stem cell lines, igniting a fierce and polarized political struggle. As President, Obama is expected to lift this restriction as one of his first acts in office, a step many observers say represents "the end of the stem cell wars."

"For the past eight years, stem cell research and other human biotechnology issues have been framed as a polarized debate between stereotypical liberals and conservatives," said Dr. Darnovsky. "The Obama administration is in a position to go beyond stereotypes and get people thinking about policies that best serve the public interest. We hope our report will encourage it to do so."

The Center for Genetics and Society is a public affairs and policy advocacy organization working to encourage responsible uses and effective societal governance of human biotechnologies. At the invitation of members of the Obama Administration transition team, CGS prepared a summary [PDF] of its policy memo on stem cell and related human biotechnology policies. On January 9, CGS released a backgrounder and FAQ about stem cell research science and policies [PDF] in anticipation of the expected shift in federal policy.