NOTE: An appropriation is defined as a legislative act authorizing the expenditure of a designated amount of public funds for a specific purpose.

1. President Obama issued an executive order this year that implements new rules for the use of federal dollars in stem cell research. How much will be given to scientists doing research on embryos created solely for research purposes?

2. On what grounds is a group challenging President Obama's executive order that gives federal funding to research on embryonic stem cells created specifically for that purpose?

3. What is the Dickey-Wicker Amendment?

4. How did the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) interpret the Dickey-Wicker Amendment in 1998?

5. a) On what grounds did Samuel Casey of Advocates International file a lawsuit in 2001 to stop embryonic stem cell funding permanently?
b) Why did Casey and the suit's plaintiffs voluntarily dismiss their case?

6. In the new lawsuit regarding embryonic stem cell funding, what issue is in question besides determining the meaning of the Dickey-Wicker amendment?

7. Read the explanation of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment under "Background" below. Do you think this law permits the government to fund embryonic stem cell research?

8. Re-read paragraph 14 and "ADULT STEM CELLS VS. EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS" under "Background" below. The use of embryonic stem cells to find cures for diseases is highly contentious. It is a moral issue to many. It has also not been successful the way adult and umbilical cord stem cells have. Should the government use taxpayer dollars to fund research done on embryonic stem cells? Explain your answer.