Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Stem cell research might slow down despite lifting of federal ban

It seems that now that the federal ban on funding embryonic stem cell research has been lifted, many of the private and state agencies that have been funding it are dropping out.  Many states and private foundations stepped in to support the research when President Bush signed the ban, but now that the ban has been lifted those people are backing out - especially since their bank accounts are much thinner now thanks to the economy.  So, while funding this research is ethically questionable (at best) it seems that lifting the ban could in effect make it less available because of funding.  Ironic.

1 comment:

Nomad said...

This is going to be a strange feedback loop to watch. How ironic would it be if the legalization of embryonic stem cell research turns into its bane. Or will it simply reinforce the "federalization" of research funding, pulling scientists out of state colleges?