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- Part of Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Clinton Administration), Harold Ickes, Jr.'s Files
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OCR Page 1 of 9THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 21, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
THROUGH:
HAROLD ICKES
FROM:
JOEL KLEIN
JACK GIBBONS
CC:
BILL GALSTON
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
SUBJECT:
Federal Funding for Human Embryo Research
The National Institutes of Health is currently considering whether to engage in
federal funding for embryo research. The issue has attracted considerable public
attention. The decision is likely to be controversial.
BACKGROUND
1.
The research at issue involves the preimplantation human embryo, which
exists from the time of fertilization until approximately 14 days later. This research is
important to advances in fertility treatments, contraception, and treatment of certain
cancers and genetic illnesses. Research may involve byproduct embryos (extra embryos
created by in vitro fertilization for reproductive purposes) or created embryos (embryos
created solely for research purposes).
2.
Reagan/Bush Administrations The Reagan and Bush Administrations
refused to fund in vitro fertilization research (which encompasses embryo research).
3.
Clinton Administration - In June 1993, Congress, with bipartisan support,
nullified regulatory barriers to in vitro fertilization research. NIH Director Harold
Varmus responded by convening an ad hoc advisory panel to make recommendations
regarding federal funding of embryo research. The panel is made up of highly respected
scientists, academics, and ethicists. On September 29, 1994, after holding six public
hearings throughout the year, the advisory panel recommended (1) that certain
categories of embryo research be permitted, (2) that certain categories of embryo
research warrant further consideration, and (3) that certain categories of embryo
research not be permitted. The advisory panel emphasized that embryo research could