Stem Cell Research Ban Suspended by Appeals Court

President Barack Obama’s administration can continue funding embryonic stem-cell research while it appeals a decision banning government support for any activity using cells taken from human embryos, an appeals court said.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington today put on hold a ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth while it reviews that decision. The Justice Department argued the judge’s ruling will cause irreparable harm to researchers, taxpayers and scientific progress.

Lifting the ban allows the government to continue funneling tens of millions of dollars to scientists seeking cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, and genetic conditions. Embryonic stem cells can grow into any kind of tissue and may have the potential to accelerate a range of research.

The case is Sherley v. Sebelius, 10-5287, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (Washington).

To contact the reporters on this story: William McQuillen in Washington at bmcquillen@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: David Rovella at drovella@bloomberg.net