Tools

Appeals Court Overturns Stem Cell Research Ban

Written by KEYT Assignment Desk

Story Created: Apr 29, 2011 at 3:46 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2011 at 5:35 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - A group that supports taxpayer-funded stem cell research says it's thrilled by a federal appeals court decision. The appeals panel overturned a lower court order to block the funding.

The judges ruled that opponents are not likely to succeed in their lawsuit to stop the government financing of the research.

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine says scientists will be able to work without "political constraints."

The White House is also praising the ruling. A spokesman says, "Responsible stem cell research has the potential to treat some of our most devastating diseases and conditions."

Researchers hope one day to use stem cells in ways that cure spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease and other ailments.

Opponents say the research is a form of abortion because human embryos must be destroyed to obtain the stem cells.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Primetime

Middle
8.00
the middle
8.30
suburgatory
Modern Family
9.00
modern family
9.30
don't trust the b in apartment 23
10.00
revenge
11.00
key news