Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 Update

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 Update

H.R.810/ S.471
Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research.

This bill was passed in the House on May 24, 2005 by a vote of 238-194 and referred to the Senate. It has been read twice in the Senate and hearings were held in committee 7/12/05. There is no scheduled action in the Senate as of now.

The amendment to the Public Health Service Act includes the following language:

(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any regulation or guidance), the Secretary shall conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells in accordance with this section (regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo).

(b) Ethical Requirements- Human embryonic stem cells shall be eligible for use in any research conducted or supported by the Secretary if the cells meet each of the following:

(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.

(2) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded.

(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation.

(c) Guidelines- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of NIH, shall issue final guidelines to carry out this section.