U.S. federal appeals court puts hold on embryonic stem cell research funding ban

WASHINGTON, D. C. (BNO NEWS) – A U.S. federal appeals court ruled on Thursday that federal funding of embryonic stem cell research could continuing while the appeals court considers a judge’s ruling that determined that the U.S. Government could not fund research that uses embryonic stem cells

The appeals judges noted in a ruling that the suspension should “not be construed in anyway as a ruling on the merits” of the case. The judges gave both the U.S. Government and the plaintiffs in the case, who argue that embryonic stem cell research is unethical, until September 20 to file their written arguments. Steven Aden, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said that the appeals court ruling “essentially calls a timeout.”

The suspension will also allow the National Institutes of health to provide $78 million to 44 scientists whose research the agency had previously been financing. The stay also allows Congress time to consider legislation that would make the recent ruling that banned the research largely unimportant, a prospects that some Democrats have invited. Critics are staunchly opposed, but embryonic stem cell research is a popular legislative fight that could give some Democrats a much needed boost during the upcoming November elections.

The appeals court ruling was welcomed by embryonic stem cell research advocates and was criticized and condemned by those who oppose the research practice, but it increases the long-going debate that has surrounded the research for years.

The controversy lies in the research potential for embryonic stem cells, which could morph into any cell in the body and given enough research and funding, allow the formation of new organs to be made inside a laboratory environment, which presents a number of exciting possibilities for the medical field. However, those within the anti-abortion movement say that the embryos that the stem cells come from are destroyed in the process and the collection of them is akin to murder.

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