ATS Statement on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The ATS has released the following statement regarding a U.S. Federal Court’s decision to issue an injunction that prohibits the NIH from funding human embryonic stem cell research:
Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous potential for developing treatments and cures for numerous chronic and fatal lung diseases. With scientists across the United States positioned to make dramatic advances that have been funded substantially by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the preliminary injunction issued by U.S. Federal District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth immediately prohibiting the NIH from further funding human embryonic stem cell research will prevent these discoveries from coming to fruition. Even a temporary cessation of ongoing NIH-funded stem cell research projects will jeopardize years of work and squander both the potential benefits of the research and the taxpayer dollars already invested in these projects.
The American Thoracic Society is dedicated to improving the healthcare of all patients and is committed to supporting research that will result in better treatments for the millions of Americans suffering from devastating adult and pediatric lung diseases, including emphysema, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, ARDS/acute lung injuries, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and others. As a long-time advocate for human embryonic stem cell research1, the American Thoracic Society strongly urges the immediate lifting of the injunction against NIH-supported embryonic stem cell research be immediately lifted while Congress and the U.S. judicial system are given the time needed to clarify the scope and content of U.S. laws. The American Thoracic Society emphasizes our support of the 2009 NIH guidelines that ensure NIH-funded research is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy, and conducted in accordance with applicable law.
For the sake of our patients and the progress of science in our country, the American Thoracic Society believes it is imperative for policymakers to clarify that federal law unambiguously permits the funding of this critical research. We call on Congress to resolve this issue once and for all — by passing legislation that articulates clear and principled rules to govern stem cell research and ensures continued federal funding to support research on embryonic stem cells.
1Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Official ATS Research Policy Statement. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 173:1-3. 2006
