National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC)
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
(Auckland, New Zealand)


For Immediate Release September 13, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT


Today, my National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) delivered its report "Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research."  Because of the enormous medical potential of such research, I asked the NBAC in November, 1998, to look at the ethical and medical issues surrounding human stem cell research.  The scientific results that have emerged in just the past few months already strengthen the basis for my hope that one day, stem cells will be used to replace cardiac muscle cells for people with heart disease, nerve cells for hundreds of thousands of Parkinson's patients, or insulin-producing cells for children who suffer from diabetes.

The issues addressed by the NBAC's recommendations are complex and difficult. The Commissioners are to be commended for the thoroughness with which they engaged in this discussion and the national dialogue that they facilitated, seeking the views and opinions of virtually every segment of our society, including scientists, patients, scholars from most of the major religions in the United States, lawyers, philosophers, ethicists and the public.

I want to thank Dr. Harold Shapiro, Chairman of the NBAC, and other Commissioners for a thoughtful report that will contribute significantly to the efforts of my Administration as we establish the highest ethical standards for the conduct of human stem cell research.


Office of Science and Technology Policy
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W
Washington, DC 20502
202.395.7347
Information@ostp.eop.gov



1999 OSTP Media Releases

Protect and Preserve U.S. Shores and Oceans Page

Gerald Epstein To Be Assistant Director For National Security,And Victor Villhard To Be Named Assistant Director For Space And

White House Honors Outstanding Science, Math, And Engineering Mentors

Human Frontier Science Program, 10th Anniversary Awards Ceremony

U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater Announces National Research And Development Plan For Aviation Safety, Security, Efficiency, and Environmental Compatibility

President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology To Meet on Friday, December 10th

Summit on Innovation: Federal Policy for the New Millennium

Release of Declassified Arctic Images

National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC)

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Statement on Asian Pacific American S&T

Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Protecting Antarctica and the Global Environment

U.S. and Japan to Explore the Role of Science and Technology

White House Initiates Review on Space Launch Ranges

Government, Industry Partnership to Honor Automotive Researchers

Researchers Honored for Fuel-Cell Technology

U.S. - South Africa Binational Commission

President Names Outstanding Young U.S. Scientists

Using Technology to Improve Training Opportunities for Federal Government Employees

Plenary Session Monday, February 22, 1999

Statement & Fact Sheet on the GOP R&D Budget Cuts

Text Of A Letter From The President To The Secretary Of Defense

Remarks By The President On Economic Growth

National Bioethics Advisory Commission Membership

Powerful Partnership Page

Executive Order on Bio-based Products and Bioenergy


President and First Lady | Vice President and Mrs. Gore
Record of Progress | The Briefing Room
Gateway to Government | Contacting the White House | White House for Kids
White House History | White House Tours | Help
Privacy Statement

Help

Site Map

Graphic Version

T H E   W H I T E   H O U S E