A mid the flurry that followed the United States Congressional winter 2003 recess, the presidential primaries, and the debate over this year's budget, lawmakers gave final approval to 30 words that could have far-reaching consequences for the scientific community. With few hearings, and scant review or debate, Congress sanctioned a plan that forbids the US Patent and Trade Office (PTO) to issue patents on human organisms.1
While seemingly innocuous – after all, the federal government has long had a policy of forbidding patents on human beings – the nuances of the legislation have researchers concerned that it could be used to prevent research on human cell lines and other embryo products that hold promise for curing and treating disease. The wording in the Bill is "None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act may be used to issue patents on claims directed to or encompassing a ...
