University And Hospital Associations Respond To Injunction On Funding Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 30 Aug 2010 - 3:00 PDT

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The judicial injunction blocking federally funded human embryonic stem cell research not only blocks potential life-saving research but also threatens to undermine the system of peer-reviewed science that has helped make America the unquestioned world leader in scientific discovery.

Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous potential for developing treatments and cures for numerous chronic and fatal diseases. With scientists across the nation positioned to make dramatic advances funded substantially by the National Institutes of Health, this judicial action is particularly disappointing. We hope this injunction will be lifted soon and that the lawsuit will be unsuccessful. As these court actions have made clear, it is imperative that policymakers clarify that federal law unambiguously permits the funding of this critical research.

We are also deeply concerned that the researchers who are plaintiffs in this case have been granted standing to sue the government based primarily on the assertion that they would be "irreparably harmed" by continued funding of embryonic stem cell research. This is judicial intervention in the peer review process, pure and simple. The notion that competition for research funding should be adjudicated in the courts rather than by expert peer review endangers the merit-based system of funding that makes American science the envy of the world. We strongly encourage the federal government to argue forcefully in court against permitting the peer review system to be undermined in this manner.

Source:
Association of American Medical College

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