Students:  The debate over research on embryonic stem cells, and using taxpayer dollars to fund the research, is a moral and ethical debate.  Read the "Background" information below the questions to gain a better understanding of the embryonic stem cell funding debate.

1. How does President Obama's executive order, authorizing taxpayer funding for embryonic stem cell research, differ from President Bush's policy?

2. How did U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth rule on funding for embryonic stem cell research?

3. On what grounds did Judge Lamberth make his ruling? (see para. 4-7, 12)

4. The United States Department of Justice (often referred to as the Justice Department or DOJ), is the federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice.  The Department is led by the Attorney General, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate and is a member of the Cabinet. The current Attorney General is Eric Holder. (from wikipedia)
a) What argument does the Justice Department make to support the funding of embryonic stem cell research?
b) Do you think this is a reasonable argument? Explain your answer.

5. What options does the Obama Administration have in responing to the hold placed on funding for embryonic stem cell research?

6. What do you think of Judge Lamberth's ruling? Explain your answer.