| FACT: |
Human embryonic stem cell research is completely legal. The debate is over federally funding research that requires the destruction of embryos. |
| FACT: |
President Bush is the first president to federally fund human embryonic stem cell research. He determined that such research could be funded so long as the cells had been obtained from embryos on or prior to August 9, 2001. |
| FACT: |
Since then NIH determined that there are 78 derivations of embryonic stem cells that are eligible for federal funding, and 22 cell lines are currently receiving federal funds. According to NIH Director, Dr. Zerhouni, the Bush policy is sufficient for basic research. |
| FACT: |
There are 16 additional "eligible" embryonic stem cell lines in Sweden that have not been "contaminated" by mouse feeder cells. |
| FACT: |
NIH spent about $25 million on embryonic stem cell research in 2003, funding 118 research projects. |
| FACT: |
HHS reports that as of February 2004, embryonic stem cell providers had shipped more than 400 lines to researchers, and there are 3,500 vials of embryonic stem cells that are waiting to be shipped to researchers. |
| FACT: |
Overturning the Bush policy will create a direct incentive to create and kill human embryos for research. |
