South Dakota Embryonic Stem Cell Research Measure (2010)
From Ballotpedia
The South Dakota Embryonic Stem Cell Research Measure is an initiated state statute that may be on the November 2010 ballot. The proposed measure proposes to ease restrictions on stem cell research.[1]
According to the South Dakota Secretary of State, if the measure is approved for the ballot, there is a 36% success rate in passing initiated measures.[2]
Support
The measure is supported by former state Treasurer David Volk, a cancer survivor. Volk said that he wants the state's regulations on funding stem cell research to be thrown out. According to reports, adult stem cells are currently being used to help cancer, Diabetes and Alzheimer patients. A group has been created in support of the measure called South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures. The group plans to file ballot language paperwork with the South Dakota Secretary of State.[3]
Opponents
Abortion opponent, Rep. Roger Hunt said that the measure is likely to see "considerable opposition" and predicts that the South Dakota Legislature may even address the issue in session.[1]
The Coalition for Cures Not Cloning is opposed to the proposed measure. The group is led by Dr. Mick Vanden Bosch, Rep. Manny Steele and former legislator Mary Glenski. Both the Coalition for Cures Not Cloning and the Family Policy Council argue that the "the proposed measure would drive a Texas-sized loop hole in South Dakota’s current cloning ban that was passed in 2004. Make no mistake, this measure uses sleight of hand to rewrite the definition of cloning."[2]
Dr. Bosch, an opthalmologist said,"As a board certified physician, I can tell you that regardless of what others say, this initiated measure allows what is medically defined as cloning...If this measure passes, research dollars currently in effective research could be redirected to areas that have not yielded any positive results in countries where they have been tried."[2]
Path to the ballot
If petition language is approved for circulation a minimum of 16,776 valid signatures are required by April 6, 2010.[3]
See also
South Dakota Abortion Ban Initiative (2008)
Additional reading
- Rapid City Journal,"Speaker: Embryonic stem cell research isn't a magic cure," November 18, 2009
- Argus Leader,"Kranz: Fighting To Repeal Stem Cell Ban," October 2, 2009
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 KXMC,"SD measure would ease stem cell research limits," September 27, 2009
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Life News,"South Dakota Group Opposes Measure for Human Cloning, Embryonic Research," November 12, 2009
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Life News,"South Dakota Voters Could Face Ballot Prop for Embryonic Stem Cell Research," September 28, 2009
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