As stem cell research rapidly developed, it became a political and ethical issue. Describe how the ethical and political approach toward stem cell research has changed in the past decade

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

During the Bush administration, starting in 2001, embryonic stem cell research did not receive federal funding unless the research used previously existing stem cell lines. This limited the genetic diversity in stem cell lines. In 2009, the Obama administration allowed the use of new stem cell lines; however, the ethical standards became stricter. In 2010, a court ruling blocked federal funding for all embryonic stem cell research.