Stem cell research invokes extreme reaction in different people. Due to its vast scope and immense benefits, scientists are relentlessly pursuing legalizing the research and to include as many areas as possible.

One of the controversial areas is the type of stem cell research eligible for federal funding. Scientists are favoring embryonic stem cells as they have the maximum ability to adapt to form bones, tissues, nerves and organs at the development stage. However, religious bodies are finding the use of embryonic cells objectionable. They feel that it is against moral values to use embryos for research purposes. Many religions give embryos the same status as human beings.

The new guidelines allow use of unused embryos from fertility labs for research. However, it specifically bans developing embryos for the sole purpose of research. The embryonic cells have the ability to thrive in lab dishes and continue indefinitely as a research material.

Earlier, the National Institute of Health (NIH) had called for comments from the concerned citizens as a prelude to formulating these guidelines. These included scientists, the medical fraternity, religious bodies, members of Congress and ordinary citizens. Based on the astounding response received, new guidelines have been formed to streamline the stem cell research.

The trickiest part of the draft guideline was the ‘informed consent’. This is the consent of the couple or woman, donating embryo for research, fully understanding all the options available to them. The published final guidelines have only a diluted version of the ‘informed consent’.

According to the new guidelines, the scientists should request for a review by an expert panel. After assessing their standard of ‘informed consent’, federal finding will be approved. For creating new stem cell lines, the guidelines have to be followed. NIH will create a registry detailing the list of lines that have federal finding.

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