We do have a little bit of a feeling, though, that he's put us on the launch pad and he's given us clearance for take-off, but we have real questions about the quality and quantity of fuel he's given us.
- Michael J. Fox, August 10, 2001


On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced his intention to allow federal funding of research utilizing embryonic stem cells belonging to existing "cell lines" ? or self-replicating colonies of stem cells. The president stated that a worldwide search conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified more than 60 separate cell lines.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is encouraged that Bush's decision allows some embryonic stem cell research to receive federal support and oversight, but notes that the announcement raises a number of important scientific and procedural questions. The Foundation's primary concern is that the president's policy restricts and further delays advances in this potentially life-saving research.

The Foundation urges the president to begin funding meritorious embryonic stem cell research as soon as possible. In addition, the Bush administration should expedite the release of information about all the existing stem cell lines it has identified, as well as the procedures for researchers to access individual lines.

The Foundation supports the president's pledge to form a bioethical council on stem cell research, and encourages him to appoint members possessing a wide range of expertise and perspective. Furthermore, while it is appropriate and desirable for the council to advise on ethical matters, it should not wield authority over the funding of research.

In his announcement, the president indicated that the federal government will spend $250 million this year on research utilizing stem cells from placenta, umbilical cord, adult and animal sources. These are important areas of research and the Foundation will work with Congress and the administration to see that this commitment is honored. To achieve the extraordinary therapeutic promise of stem cells, however, equally robust funding of embryonic cells must also be a part of the federal research agenda. The Foundation looks forward to participating in the continued consideration by Congress and the American people of the most appropriate policy governing federal funding and oversight of embryonic stem cell research.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is committed to the aggressive pursuit of all ethical avenues of research promising improved therapies and ultimately a cure for people living with Parkinson's disease. Leading researchers have identified cell replacement therapy as one of the most powerful potential treatments for Parkinson's, capable of halting disease progression and even restoring lost function, thus making it far superior to current therapies. While research into many types of cells is needed, embryonic stem cells demonstrate qualities that make them extremely promising candidates for cell replacement therapies.