Stem Cell Ruling Blocks "Life-saving" Research, White House Says

A new ruling has set back the Obama administration’s efforts to expand stem-cell research yesterday after a judge issued a preliminary injuction which prevents the federal government from funding any medical research related to embryonic stem cells. US Chief District Court Judge Royce Lamberth made the ruling based on the premise that the proposal “violated a 1996 law intended to prevent the destruction of human embryos.”

The decision has led to a variety of reactions from outspoken leaders on both sides of the debate.

The New York Times writes that Ron Stoddart, executive director of Nightlight Christian Adoptions, was pleased with the judge’s ruling, and said that he did not to see stem-cell research that destroyed embryos. “Embryos are preborn human life that should be protected and not destroyed. If there was a way of extracting the stem cells without destroying them, I would not be opposed to it,” said Stoddart.

According to the Washington Post, many scientists have condemned the restrictions, saying that the ruling hinders important research that could lead to cures for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and paralysis.

The Wall Street Journal reports that it is still unclear as to whether or not the judge’s decision would affect currently funded stem-cell research projects.

What’s your take on the judge’s ruling? Should embryonic stem-cell research be federally funded?