ISSCR Opposes Ban on Valuable Stem Cell Research Proposed to United Nations

A statement from ISSCR Headquarters released Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, to the United Nations and the media:

International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) opposes a resolution before the United Nations' General Assembly that would lead to a worldwide ban on somatic cell nuclear transplantation with human cells, also known as therapeutic cloning.

Such a ban would greatly inhibit basic research on stem cells and their medical applications. The ISSCR does, however, support an alternative resolution, led by Belgium, calling for a narrow ban on reproductive cloning.

Recent scientific research demonstrates the great potential for stem cell research to lead to improved understanding and treatment of many diseases including cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and many others. There is strong evidence that research on both adult stem cells and human pluripotent stem cells, sometimes called human embryonic stem cells, will be required to achieve these advances.

There is no credible scientific basis to support the conclusion that research on human adult stem cells can take the place of research on human pluripotent stem cells or vice versa. The ISSCR believes that it will be important for governments to support ongoing research involving adult human stem cells, and human pluripotent stem cells.

Somatic cell nuclear transplantation for the purpose of generating cells for understanding and treating human diseases should be supported as this technology will enhance the availability of future cell therapies to diverse patients. On the contrary, the ISSCR opposes reproductive cloning, as all available evidence indicates that human cloning would be unsafe.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

Updated: November 6, 2003