White House considering options after judge bars stem cell work under Obama policy

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Obama mulls options after stem cell plan blocked

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. — The White House says it’s considering its options — including a possible appeal — after a judge ordered a halt to federally funded research under President Barack Obama’s stem cell research blueprint.

Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton told reporters Tuesday that Obama still thinks his policy is the right one, and believes it can lead to lifesaving treatments while maintaining “stringent ethical guidelines.” Asked if an appeal is planned, Burton said “all possible avenues” are being explored.

In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth concluded the stem cell research violated the will of Congress in prohibiting the destruction of human embryos.