THE WHITE HOUSE

WAS HINGTON

December 17, 1999

Joshua Lederberg

President Emeritus

The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York, New York 10021-6399

Dear Joshua:

Thank you for your letter regarding human pluripotent
stem cell funding. I appreciate knowing your thoughts on
this important matter and regret that I was unable to respond
sooner.

Last November, I asked my National Bioethics Advisory
Commission to undertake a thorough review of the ethical
and medical considerations associated with human stem cell
research. After much thought and deliberation, we determined
that human stem cell technology’s potential medical benefits
are compelling and worthy of pursuit as long as the research
is conducted according to the highest ethical standards. As
you know, stem cell research has potential application for
treating people with diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s
disease, cancer, and spinal cord injury. The NIH will be
putting together guidelines to ensure that the cells are
obtained in an ethically sound manner.

As we continue to address this complex issue, I am
grateful for your input.

Sincerely,

Rou C4;