Non—Human Primate Embryonic Stem Cells

STEM CELL RESEARCH is a controversial topic. Some people argue that stem cell research is the beginning of a slippery slope to reproductive cloning, whereas proponents, including medical researchers, state that stem cell research is essential and has the potential for significant medical benefit. In light of this controversy, on August 9, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush announced that federal taxpayer funding for human embryonic stem cell research would be limited to research using stem cells lines that are currently in existence.

Research has been ongoing for many years to circumvent the ethical issues surrounding research on human embryonic stem cells. Researchers have been developing techniques of isolating stem cells that are as universal and potent as human embryonic stem cells but that do not ...