Vogelstein B. et al. Stem Cells and The Future Of Regenerative Medicine

National Academy of Sciences, 2003. — 113 p.
At the committee’s workshop, held on June 22, 2001, scientists, philosophers, ethicists, and legal experts presented their views in two general categories. First, leading scientific investigators addressed the following scientific questions: What are stem cells? What are their sources, and what biological differences exist among cells of different origins? How do these differences translate into advantages or disadvantages for research and medical applications? What is the potential of stem cells for regenerative medicine, and what obstacles must be overcome to make them useful for new medical therapies? Second, experts in philosophy, law, and ethics presented a variety of ethical and other arguments relevant to public-policy considerations on stem cells. Audio files of the speakers’ presentations are available until December 31, 2002, at the workshop Web site: www.nationalacademies.org/stemcells.
This report presents the committee’s findings and recommendations. It is based on careful consideration of information presented at the workshop and on data and opinions found in the scientific and other scholarly literature. The committee is extremely respectful of all perspectives in this debate and has taken them into account in forming its recommendations.