A federal judge in Washington dismissed a lawsuit that sought to block federal funding for medical studies using human embryonic stem cells.
A previous court opinion filed in 1999 concluded that the National Institutes of Health could legally use federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, according to the court opinion filed July 27 and posted on the NIH website.
In 2009, President Obama expanded the potential for embryonic stem cell research by opening federal funding to new stem cell lines, in addition to existing lines.
However, later in 2009, a group including two scientists whose research work involves adult stem cells, filed a lawsuit against NIH.
The suit alleged that the NIH's plans for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research violated the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, a 1996 law preventing the NIH from funding research in which human embryos were created specifically for medical studies, or research in which embryos were destroyed or subjected to risks beyond those allowed for fetuses in utero, according to the court documents.
The dismissal of the lawsuit is good news for medical researchers and patients seeking more options, Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President and Deputy Senior White House Adviser, wrote in a White House blog post.
“While we don't know exactly what stem cell research will yield, scientists believe this research could treat or cure diseases that affect millions of Americans every year,” Ms. Cutter wrote.
“We are pleased with today's ruling. Responsible stem cell research has the potential to develop new treatments and ultimately save lives. This ruling will help ensure this groundbreaking research can continue to move forward,” NIH director Francis S. Collins said in a statement.
Others, however, disagreed.
“The Christian Medical and Dental Associations supported the funding ban and is disappointed with this ruling,” Dr. Gene Rudd, senior vice president of the organization, said in an interview.
“CMDA supports ongoing adult stem cell research,” Dr. Rudd said.
“The problem with embryonic stem cell research is that acquisition of these stem cells results in death to early human life. That makes their use ethically unacceptable,” he said.
“And the latest science indicates that acquisition of embryonic stem cells is not necessary.
“Adult stem cells can be induced to become pluripotent, just as embryonic stem cells. Further research in this area is both promising and ethical,” Dr. Rudd added.