A final decision in the Department of Justice’s embryonic stem cell research appeals case is one step closer. From one story:
An appeals court today decided to allow federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research to continue while the court considers legal arguments that halted hESC research last month. “Appellants have satisfied the standards required for a stay pending appeal,” reads an order issued by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Appeals Court for the D.C. Circuit. The same panel heard oral arguments in the case yesterday.
The stay replaces a temporary pause that had been in place the past 12 days. It will allow National Institutes of Health funding for hESC research to continue while the same court considers the government’s appeal of U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth’s 23 August preliminary injunction ruling that hESC research is likely illegal. The order also states that the case will be expedited.
I’ve been following this story for the past month now and more is sure to come. Stay tuned!
Previous coverage:
Court Blocks New Fed. Funding for ESCR!
Boo-hoo! Scientists Can’t Destroy Embryos on Taxpayer Dime 🙁
Appeals Court Suspends Federal Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding Ban
ESCR Funding: it’s Primarily About Ethics, not Science
3 Comments on “ESCR Funding Appeal Moving Right Along”
Whatever the outcome I would expect the new Congress to strengthen the restrictions in response to the Administration’s arrogance.
I wouldn’t be too sure of that. It all depends on what kind of Republicans we get in there. Recall that during the Bush Administration congress voted twice to expand federal funding for ESCR, even when the Republicans were in charge, I believe.
By “restrictions” I meant the language of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, but point taken.