Ahead of the Bell: Stem Cell Research (Senate debates today)

[babylonsister]

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&Date=20070410&ID=6725043

Ahead of the Bell: Stem Cell Research


NEW YORK (AP) - The Senate is scheduled to take up legislation on Tuesday related to the funding of embryonic stem cell research.

The legislation up for debate would lift President Bush's 2001 ban on taxpayer-funded research of embryonic stem cells developed after that time.

Though trying to gain the support of lawmakers who have backed the ban, sponsors included a provision stating that Congress endorses all types of stem cell research. A similar bill passed Congress last year, but was vetoed by President Bush.

Scientists are working with stem cells to develop treatments that may cure a host of debilitating illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and spinal cord injury.

The stem cell debate centers on the process of extracting material from days-old human embryos that can morph into any type of tissue in the body. Many scientists say this type of research has the potential to cure diseases and injuries, but opponents say the process of extracting stem cells is immoral and kills the embryo.

StemCells Inc., Geron Corp., Aastrom Biosciences Inc. and ViaCell Inc. are among the companies involved in stem-cell research.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.