Stem Cell Research: An NPR Special Report

The debate over stem cell research is gaining visibility, as President Bush is expected to announce soon whether his administration will permit federal funding for research using cells from human embryos.

The pressure surrounding the decision has been intense: The National Institutes of Health, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, and a growing number of Republican lawmakers all urge the president to pay for research. But others inside the White House oppose the funding, saying research on cells derived from human embryos is unethical and should be banned.

Many scientists are convinced that studying these cells will reveal a wealth of knowledge about the basic biology of human beings, and could lead to treatments for a variety of disease. So even without federal support, embryonic stem cell research will proceed -- but at a much slower pace.

On Morning Edition July 13, Joe Palca reports on a debate that affects the use of cloning to develop stem cells specificially for research. Does the FDA have the authority to regulate cloning?

On All Things Considered July 12, Joe Palca details a Massachusetts biotech company's attempt to create cloned human embryos from which to harvest stem cells.

Hear past coverage of the issue from NPR's archives.

Learn about the science behind stem cell research and read the NIH stem cell primer.

Exclusively on NPR.org, read a "virtual roundtable" of scientists, ethicists and advocates explaining their stands on stem cell research.

Check out our online resource list to learn more about the scientific and ethical debates, and the organizations involved.