Embryonic Stem Cell Experiments Get Go Signal From NIH

December 2, 2009 11:55 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The National Institute of Health (NIH) approved Wednesday the use of 11 lines of human embryonic stem cells for experiments by federally funded scientists.

A government policy shift allowed the experiments for stem cells obtained from infertility patients by scientists at the Children's Hospital in Boston and at the Rockefeller University in New York.

The Bush administration had restricted the experiments on ethical grounds.

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research welcomed the NIH decision but the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned it because the stem cells are sourced by destroying days-old human embryos.

NIH Director Francis Collins said the experiments meant to find cures for diabetes and other diseases is ethically acceptable. A $21 million grant will fund the experiments.