Stem Cell Research Legislation - Essay Example

This particular bill was vetoed by this Republican president. By 2001, President George W. Bush establishes that no stem cell research should be conducted on cells produced after August 9, 2001. This particular legislation issued by the Executive branch does not, however, indicate limitations on stem cell research conducted on cells older than August 9, 2001 or limit state-level funding for this research (Science Progress, 2009). Because of this lack of clarity in the legislation, the state of California becomes one of the first states to provide funding and establish legal allowances for this practice to continue.

By 2004, the state of New Jersey becomes one of the first states to establish funding for an embryonic stem cell research center under NJ Permanent Statue, Title 26: 2Z-2. (Science Progress, 2009). In 2007, a bill is passed by Congress with a vote of 63 to 34 that expands Congressional funding of embryonic stem cell research, just short of the two-thirds majority required to protect the bill from presidential veto, however this does not occur (National Institutes of Health, 2012). This funding is approved which lays the foundation for the current policy regarding allowance of stem cell research and certain levels of federal funding toward this objective.

The legislation banning or approving stem cell research maintains very different perspectives as compared to the United States that is more liberal about its imperatives and social benefits. Australia, as one example, allows this research to be undertaken, but it is highly regulated by the government. For an individual or organization to participate in this research, they must receive a license from the National Health and Medical Research Council and a secondary license must be granted for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (Australian Stem Cell Centre, 2011).

The development of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates all activities associated