Welcome to the UM Bioethics Resource on Stem Cell Research. This resource was developed to help students, medical professionals, and the general public develop a grasp for the history and current events in the stem cell policy debate both in the state of Florida and nationally.
National Stem Cell Policy Timeline
July 15, 2009
The NIH issues a notice providing information about new applications proposing to use hESCs, ongoing NIH research using previously approved hESC lines, and the status of applications previously submitted to NIH proposing to use hESCs.
July 7, 2009
The NIH published guidelines outlining the policies and procedures for funding of new stem cell research in accordance with President Obama's Executive Order "Removing Barriers to Responsible Research Involving Human Stem Cells."
March 9, 2009
In a monumental moment for stem cell research in the United States, President Barack Obama signs Executive Order 13505, entitled "Removing Barriers to Responsible Research Involving Human Stem Cells." Obama's order reverses President Bush's moratorium on the use of federal funds for human embryonic stem cell research. This action, anticipated by many after Obama's November win, marks the first time in over eight years where federal funds could be awarded to stem cell research.
January 23, 2009
The FDA approves world's first human clinical trial for stem-cell based therapy. The trial, to be conducted by Geron Corporation, is the first of its kind, and will investigate stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in 10 patients. Please see the following for the company press release.
December 13, 2008
The Vatican issues a document detailing its position on a multitude of bioethical issues including stem cell research, reiterating the Catholic church's position that stem cell research violates the the principle that every human life is sacred.
Florida Stem Cell Policy Timeline
May 31, 2007
The Florida Supreme Court approves both state ballot amendments to be placed on the November 2008 ballot. The two opposing initiatives, one that would prohibit the use state funding for stem cell research and one that would force the state to spend $20 million annually for 10 years on embryonic stem cell research.
Florida Supreme Court Recommendation of Attorney General available here
May 4, 2007
SB 2496, filed by Mike Hardipolos (R-Indialantic) dies in the Committee on Health and Human Services Appropriations.
May 4, 2007
HB 1065, filed by Anitere Flores (R-Miami), dies on second calendar reading. The bill would have allocated $20 million for adult stem cell research.
March 1, 2007
Senator Mike Hardipolos (R-Indialantic) files SB 2496 in the Florida state Senate. The bill calls for $20 million in adult stem-cell research while prohibiting any research on embryonic stem cells. It is the corollary to Rep. Anitere Flores’ House bill.
See the bill SB 2496 here.
January 31, 2007
Governor Charlie Christ announces that he will not back human embryonic stem cell research, but is recommending the state legislature spend $20 million on adult stem cell research instead.
See the rest of the timeline here
