The Bush Decision

Monday, Aug. 20, 2001 By MITCH FRANK
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WHAT HE SAID

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--Existing Stem-Cell Lines

Bush will allow funding for research on stem cells already extracted from embryos. But his position has raised questions.

WHAT ARE THEY? A line is created by extracting cells from an embryo only a few days old; this destroys the embryo. Under the right conditions, cells will replicate, creating genetically identical cells.

65 THE NUMBER? Until last week, most scientists knew of only a dozen cell lines. National Institutes of Health experts now say they have tracked down at least 65 cell lines worldwide. All were created from leftover in-vitro fertilization embryos. But scientists question how many are viable--and who owns the patents.

$250,000,000

--Federal Funding

In his address, Bush cited the tax dollars spent this year on researching stem cells from adults, umbilical cords and animal embryos. But Bush hasn't announced how much money he will ask Congress to allocate for embryonic stem-cell research in next year's budget. Will embryonic research be on an equal footing with less controversial science?

--The Council

Bush will appoint doctors, lawyers and ethicists to a panel on bioethics to advise him on stem cells, cloning and other ethical quagmires of the brave new world. Dr. Leon Kass, who helped Bush make this decision, will lead the council.

THE FALLOUT

"It's going to delay the progress we need to bring these therapies to the bedside." --DR. JOHN GEARHART

--The Scientists

The most skeptical reaction to Bush's decision came from biologists. They agree some funding is better than none but question the existence of 65 viable cell lines. They fear that 65 won't be enough to develop therapies effectively. And who will control those lines?

--Conservatives

Opponents, from Evangelicals to the Pope, pushed for a total funding ban. Many were relieved that Bush did not go further--though several accused him of breaking, or at least bending, his campaign promise.

--Patient Advocates

Activists like Michael J. Fox and Christopher Reeve had mixed reactions. Some were cautiously optimistic. Others will ask Congress for funding with fewer restrictions.

--Capitol Hill

Party affiliation helped shape lawmakers' reactions. Republicans on both sides of the issue expressed mild disappointment but are sticking by their guy. Some Democrats are asking for a vote to sweep aside Bush's narrow compromise.

THE RESEARCH EFFECT

FULLY FUNDED

Adult Stem Cells

Opponents of embryonic stem-cell research argue that more money should be spent researching adult stem cells. Hidden within bone marrow and organs, these stem cells replace old cells in the body. Scientists have isolated and replicated some, but adult stem cells are not capable of developing into any other cell type.

--THE EFFECT Embryonic-cell research could take cash from work on adult cells. Could be conservatives' next battle.

--WHAT'S NEXT? A fight in Congress over which research gets the money.

Umbilical Cord