How will the concerns raised by the new human biotechnologies be addressed in the Obama administration?

President-elect Obama has already indicated his position on two specific issues. The first is embryonic stem cell research: He has pledged to lift the Bush administration's restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research that uses embryos created but not used for reproductive purposes, and aides have suggested that he'll do this by executive order immediately after taking office.

CGS has called for and would welcome such a policy shift. It would normalize embryonic stem cell funding and put it on a level playing field with other promising medical research. And it would go a long way towards moving us past a divisive period that has blocked serious consideration of the far-reaching challenges that the new human biotechnologies present.

In addition, Obama was a strong supporter of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) as a Senator. He may be open to strengthening it, perhaps as part of broader health care reforms.

Beyond those specific topics, we believe that Obama's broadly expressed values and beliefs augur well for efforts to ensure responsible oversight of new human genetic, reproductive and biomedical technologies. His affirmation of the need for responsible government oversight suggests that he would resist those calling for a laissez-faire, free-market approach to the development of new human biotechnologies. His clear interest in working collaboratively with other countries should incline him towards bringing the U.S. into alignment with the emerging international human biotech policy consensus. And his commitment to inclusion offers real potential for putting the divisive culture wars behind us.

Unfortunately, the polarized politics that developed around stem cells and related issues during the Bush years has left a "gravitas deficit" that will need to be overcome if we are to move forward. Many liberals and progressives came to their positions on human biotech issues in large part as a reaction to the Bush administration's restrictive polices and the theological beliefs that helped motivate them. As a consequence, many of them have yet to fully appreciate the dangers that misuse of the new human biotechnologies could pose to equity, social and racial justice, human rights, disability rights and other core liberal and progressive values. As president, Obama will have the opportunity to encourage a fuller and more nuanced understanding of both the risks that the new human biotechnologies entail and the benefits that they offer.

Once he lifts the Bush administration's restrictions on stem cell research, Obama will be faced with the need to improve federal oversight and regulation of it. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) plans to introduce a stem cell research bill in the next Congress, and has said that it will include new regulatory provisions. Such legislation must establish the means for enforceable, transparent, and accountable rules governing both publicly and privately funded stem cell research and clinical trials.

Another early indication of Obama's intentions may be signaled by his choices for director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Science Advisor to the President, and members of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. These positions should be filled by respected figures known for their appreciation of the manifold societal impacts that powerful new technologies can have, for both good and ill, as well as for their technical and policy expertise.

As president, Obama will also be faced with the question of whether or not to establish a new bioethics advisory council. The bioethics councils appointed by Presidents Clinton and Bush have had decidedly mixed track records. If a new bioethics council is appointed, its mandate should be carefully specified. Further, its membership should go beyond the scientists, biotech industry figures, research advocates and academic bioethicists who often populate such councils. It should include representatives of the full range of stakeholder constituencies, including those working in support of women's and children's health, human and civil rights, and social and economic justice and equity.