Florida Anti-Stem Cell Research Initiative (2008)

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The Anti-Stem Cell Research Initiative is a Florida initiated constitutional amendment that would ban any revenue of the state shall be sent on experimentation that involves the destruction of a live human embryo.[1]

Contents

Overview

There are two conflicting initiatives collecting signatures currently. The opposite of this initiative is the Florida funding of embryonic stem cell research (2008) which has been in the works since 2005. There are also two bills in the legislature that are discussing stem cell research:[2]

SB 2496, HB 1065: Would allow state money to be spent on stem-cell research using human adult, amniotic, cord blood, and placental stem cells through a grant program. But prohibits the use of state money for embryonic stem-cell research. The House bill, sponsored by Rep. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, is ready for debate on the House floor. The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, has one more committee to clear before it heads to the Senate floor.
SB 750, HB 555: Would allow $20 million a year in state money to be spent on embryonic, amniotic, and adult stem-cell research for 10 years through a grant program. Sponsored by Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallendale Beach, the bill has three more committees to clear in the Senate. The House version, sponsored by Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, has not yet been discussed in committee.

Support

Citizens for Science and Ethics is a political action committee and is sponsoring the initiative. The group was formed to oppose the public funding of embryonic stem cell research and also to educate concerned citizens on the benefits of investing in ethical research performed on stem cells derived from adult tissue, umbilical cord tissue, and placental tissue. The group also listed that paying higher taxes for experimental funding as a reason to oppose state-funded stem-cell research.[3]

The Florida Catholic Conference opposed the initiative because it degrades the value of human life.[4]

The former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, also announced that he is against the state funding the research.[5]

Opposition

Floridians for Stem Cell Research and Cures is the sponsor of the competing initiative and opposing this one. The group believes that stem-cell research will cure many diseases and is a worthwhile investment for the statement.[6]

Status

The initiative has been approved the Florida Secretary of State and is currently in circulation.

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Anti Stem Cell Ballot Language
  2. ↑ Stem cells debated around Tallahassee, Palm Beach Post, April 17, 2007
  3. ↑ Citizens for Science and Ethics website
  4. ↑ Stem cells debated around Tallahassee, Palm Beach Post, April 17, 2007
  5. ↑ Florida May Vote on Stem Cells, Wired, 9/21/05
  6. ↑ Florida Cures
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