Science and Nature: States Take Charge in Stem Cell Research

Several state governments have decided to part philosophical ways with The White House on the subject of stem cell research.

In August 2001, President Bush issued an executive order that severely limited its federal funding, slowing the research dramatically. But of late, states have decided to fund the experiments themselves, hoping to bolster their biotechnology industries.

California and New Jersey have been the front runners; both states passed measures in 2004 that provide funding and facilities to scientists who want to use stem cells to develop treatments for major health problems like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and Altzheimers.

The new laws may amount to major state gains, since the lucrative biotech industry is likely to migrate towards pro-research states. In addition to industry and commerce, California expects to attract the best and brightest in the biotech field.

What is stem cell research?

Stem cell research is relatively new - only since 1998 have scientists been able to grow and isolate the cells, which have the unique potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, each "daughter" cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function. Stem cells, therefore, could serve as a repair system for tissues and organs, replenishing damaged or diseased cells, including red blood cells, brain cells, or muscle cells.

Some of the research is contentious because some stem cells are derived from human embryos. More specifically, many of the cells come from leftover frozen embryos in fertilization clinics. Umbilical cord cells are adult cells from the mother, and adult cells are narrowly targeted to a specific use in the body.

But since harvesting the cells always kills the days-old embryo, many Americans are opposed to the practice. The argument over stem cell research often mimics the abortion debate, centering on the religious debate over when human life begins.

States provide funding

Bush’s 2001 executive order limited federal funding to the 78 cell lines that existed at the time. Most of those lines are no longer viable for research because they have been contaminated, and scientists say that they need to develop new cell lines in order to conduct clinical trials that could lead to new treatments for common diseases.

Due to the federal restrictions, new stem cell lines can be developed using private and state money only. But California and New Jersey are not the only states willing to foot the bill. Connecticut, New York, Illinois, and Maryland all have legislation pending, and Massachusetts passed a bill on March 31, 2005 that will allow scientists to create cloned embryos.

At the same time, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri are working to ban procedures relating to stem cell research, particularly cloning.

Meanwhile, the federal government is working to pass a bill that creates some middle ground.

Federal legislation

Representative Michael N. Castle (R- Delaware) is working to ease the federal restrictions on stem cell research. He feels that the Bush administration’s hard-line stance has become a weak spot for Republicans, since 52 percent of Americans are in favor of the research, according to a Pew Research poll.

Castle would like to see scientists utilize leftover embryos that would otherwise be discarded. Proponents argue that the life or death of the embryo has already been settled, and with the consent of the parents, its cells could be used in the pursuit of preserving life.

Scientists are pleading for a federal measure that will allow them to conduct their research without having to tailor it to the funding source. Several research institutions have constructed separate buildings or bought duplicate equipment in order to ensure that no federal dollars go to studies on new cell lines.

Some say that if states continue to develop vastly different laws on stem cell research, it could dampen the nation’s development in health care, especially as scientists move to other nations whose governments do not legislate from a religious perspective.

A charged America

Clearly, Americans have very different perspectives on the intersections of health care, science, technology, and "natural" life and death. In the wake of the Terri Schiavo case, it has become clear that our nation is charged with these issues, and they will continue to surface for years to come.

Therefore, it is important to consider your own beliefs about science and nature, research and politics, health care and responsibility.

What do you think?

WomenMatter is a place to discuss life issues with other women. We don’t want to wedge women apart, but rather bring them together to dialogue. To log onto one of our online forums, click here.

WomenMatter encourages women to educate themselves on the issues and then approach their representatives with ideas.

Even though the election is over, your voice is vital. Make sure your leaders know what’s important to you. To see how your representatives vote and to contact them, click here.

WomenMatter is dedicated to empowering women to participate in the political process. To do this we have invested in the most in-depth NONPARTISAN information, because we trust each woman to make up her own mind.

• We track nine issues every week and update this website several times a week.
• We launch after school GirlsMatter Clubs in middle and high schools to grow the next generation of politically aware women through a full curriculum and startup kit on girlsmatter.com.
• We do continuous research to make sure that we are meeting the needs of women across the country of all ages, races, incomes, preferences, and religions.
• We provide partnerships with nonpartisan organizations that provide services to women and advocate for them.

We offer all our services free of charge without memberships or subscriptions. To help us maintain this work - not just in election years but as a continuing part of women’s lives - please make a tax deductible donation, click here.

Posted on: 4/5/2005