Stem cell research continues to be a divisive issue

Some researchers seek solutions to what they call an "ethical impasse."

By Andis Robeznieks, AMNews staff. April 11, 2005.

Scientific and political activity related to California's voter-approved commitment to spend $3 billion in stem cell research promises to spread well beyond the state's borders in 2005.

Lawmakers in more than 20 states and Congress introduced stem cell-related bills this year. Some forces want to replicate California's action; others seek to close the door on embryonic stem cell research or direct state-funded research toward adult stem cells.

In Illinois, for example, legislation calls for a special tax on elective cosmetic surgery to fund embryonic and adult stem cell research. An Arkansas bill promotes the use of adult stem cells found in umbilical cord blood, and a Texas bill would prohibit state money from being used to fund embryonic stem cell research.

Experts acknowledge that each state has the right to pursue its own agenda, but some view the current landscape as one of chaos and conflict.

"It will lead to a patchwork of policies," said William B. Hurlbut, MD, a member of the President's Council on Bioethics and a Stanford University human biology consulting professor. "We're going to end up with red-state medicine and blue-state medicine."

Before momentum can swing to embryonic stem cell research supporters, conservative groups are making sure their views are known.

Leon Kass, MD, PhD, chair of the President's Council on Bioethics, is leading conservative bioethicists in promoting an agenda that aims to fight "the destructive exploitation of nascent human life" and the "degradation of human procreation."