favor the use of ASCs do so in the belief that they are both as viable in research as are ESCs and, perhaps most significantly, are less likely to be acquired by unethical means. Conversely, those favoring ESCs argue that these stem cells are preferable to ASCs in that they are more viable and flexible, less differentiated than ASCs and therefore able to be used more effectively in a variety of applications, and better suited to research because of this attribute (Fischbach, 2003). On balance, given a regulatory environment that prevents unethical use of or access to ESCs, most researchers believe that these stem cells are preferable from a scientific standpoint (Korobkin & Munzer (2007).
There are some 60 established stem cell lines that are approved for use in research (NIH, 2008). NIH (2008) stated that this includes both embryonic and adult stem cells, the former obtained through voluntary donations. NIH (2008) reported thatPresident George W. Bush ruled that federal funds would be used for research only on the 60 existing stem cell lines that had already been derived: 1) with the informed consent of the donors; 2) from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes; and 3) without any financial inducements given to the donors. The decision was based upon the president's reading of scientific data indicating that ASCs were as viable in terms of their research potential as were ESCs and that ASCs were more readily (and ethically) available for research purposes.
The president's decision required NIH (2008) to examine the derivation of all existing stem cell lines, create a registry of lines satisfying these criteria, and overseeing grant applications for federal funds focusing on stem cell research. No federal funds are to be used, according to this governmental directive, for the derivation and/or use of stem cell lines from newly destroyed embryos, the creation of any human embryos for research purposes...