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EO 13505Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13505

Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells

This executive order lifts the previous administration's restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, directing the NIH to issue new guidance within 120 days. It revokes the August 9, 2001 presidential statement and Executive Order 13435 that had limited such funding.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 10667

Impact dates

  1. NIH to review existing guidance and issue new guidance on human stem cell research

Key directives

  • HHS Secretary, through NIH Director, may support and conduct human embryonic stem cell research to extent permitted by law
  • Within 120 days, Secretary shall review existing NIH guidance and issue new guidance consistent with this order
  • NIH shall review and update guidance periodically as appropriate
  • Revoke August 9, 2001 presidential statement limiting federal embryonic stem cell funding
  • Revoke Executive Order 13435 of June 20, 2007

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of 2001 policy statement and EO 13435 takes effect
  • HHS Secretary authorized to support human embryonic stem cell research

Near term (90d)

  • NIH must issue new guidance on stem cell research (120 days)

Long term

  • Expanded federal funding for stem cell research
  • Periodic review and update of NIH guidance

Risks & tensions

  • Ethical and political controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell destruction remains unresolved
  • Phrase 'to the extent permitted by law' leaves ambiguity if Congress enacts statutory restrictions
  • Periodic review requirement lacks specific interval, creating implementation uncertainty
  • Subject to appropriations availability, limiting guarantee of actual funding increases
Executive Order 13505: Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells · Executive Orders