Stem Cells in Politics: The spread of the California proposition
The threat of California's $300 million annual funding to stem cell research has led other states to consider similar measures in an effort to stem the flight of scientists, capitalists, and academics. What follows is just a small sampling of what is happening throughout the country as of this web page's publishing.

New Jersey Passes Stem Cell Law
Governor James E. McGreevey signed a stem cell bill making New Jersey the second of two states to pass legislation specifically outlawing reproductive cloning and promoting human embryonic stem cell research. This bill permits research involving “human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human adult stem cells from any source, including somatic cell nuclear transplantation.” It makes cloning for the purposes of creating a human being a first-degree crime punishable by up to 20 years in jail and requires that infertility patients be informed that they can donate unused embryos for research purposes. Other states, including Massachusetts, are considering similar legislation. The New Jersey bill does not provide additional funds for stem cell research.(Source: The Scientist)


Stem Cell Propositions in Washington
Bipartisan congressional legislation was recently introduced in the House and Senate that would allow federal funding for more stem cell lines, while imposing criteria designed to ensure that strict protocols are followed in obtaining and handling the embryos from which the cells would be taken. There is significant public backing for opening up federal funds to more stem cell studies. For example, in a March poll conducted by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, 59% of those surveyed favored embryonic stem cell research, and 33% were opposed to it. The coalition advocates for regenerative medicine research, including that on stem cells. The House bill, sponsored by Reps. Michael Castle (R, Del.) and Diana DeGette (D, Colo.), would require the Dept. of Health and Human Services to conduct and support stem cell research that met certain criteria. One requirement is that embryos used to derive stem cells were originally created for fertility treatments. A second is that individuals for whom the embryos were created have determined that the embryos will not be implanted and will otherwise be discarded. And third is that individuals for whom the embryos were created have provided written consent for their donation.(Source: AMEDNEWS)

Other States Move Ahead
Meanwhile, several other states are trying to gather federal funding by putting up state dollars and otherwise creating a stem cell research-friendly environment. Legislatures in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington and other states are considering measures to promote stem cell research. Although several of these proposals would raise state dollars for such studies, others are simply designed to relax the research environment. Experts say that these types of measures are needed to create a research-friendly environment while imposing appropriate government oversight that would allow stem cell research to progress within ethical boundaries. (Source: AMEDNEWS)

Massachusetts Senate Approves Stem Cell Bill
The state Senate overwhelmingly backed a stem cell research bill on April 26, 2005 and sent it to the House, where it could be debated as early as next week. The bill, which encourages embryonic stem cell research in Massachusetts, was approved 34-2, meaning the Senate could easily override an expected veto by Gov. Mitt Romney. The measure also appears to have veto-proof support in the House. The bill would allow scientists to create cloned embryos and extract their stem cells for research. Supporters say the research could lead to the cure or treatment of diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries. Critics say scientists could create human life just to destroy it. Under current state law, scientists conducting stem cell research need the approval of the local district attorney. The bill would remove that requirement, give the state Health Department some regulatory control and ban cloning for reproductive purposes. The bill also creates an advisory council that would hold public meetings and give lawmakers an annual report on new research. Among other things, the panel would be charged with investigating whether women should be compensated for donated eggs. (Source: Boston Herald)