University of California - UC Newsroom | UC issues statement on stem cell lawsuit ruling

UC issues statement on stem cell lawsuit ruling

Date: 2010-09-28
Contact: University of California Office of the President
Phone: (510) 987-9200
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Statement by the University of California regarding the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals decision to issue a stay pending appeal in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius.

The University of California applauds the U.S. Court of Appeals order issued today (Sept. 28) granting a stay of a lower court's preliminary injunction in Sherley v. Sebelius pending the Justice Department's appeal. We look forward to continuing our participation in the appeal as amicus curiae.

Human embryonic stem cell research holds great possibilities for advancing knowledge of fundamental cellular biology. Today's decision by the court allows UC researchers -- and researchers across the nation -- to continue to pursue groundbreaking, ethical human embryonic stem cell research which holds tremendous potential for new cures and therapies for an array of life-threatening diseases affecting millions of Americans.

Background:
On Aug. 23, 2010, in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius, a federal trial court judge in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting federal funding of research involving human embryonic stem cells (hESC). On Sept. 9, that injunction was temporarily suspended by a federal appellate court while it decides whether the injunction should be reinstated for the several months it likely will take the appeals court to review the case on the merits. On Sept. 20, the University of California filed a motion with the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking to intervene in the case in order to assure the harm caused by the judicially imposed federal funding ban to the university and its researchers is fully considered. On Sept. 28, the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals issued a stay pending appeal of the injunction that was first issued on Aug. 23 in the case of Sherley v. Sebelius.