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California Takes Another Step to Allow Stem Cell Work

The bill requires clinics that do in-vitro fertilization procedures to inform women they have the option to donate discarded embryos to research. It requires written consent for donating embryos for research and bans the sale of embryos.

California Gov. Gray Davis, in a direct challenge to the Bush administration, has today signed a bill into law that will promote research on embryonic stem cells, aiming to make the state a safe haven for this cutting-edge biomedical science.

The measure, intended to draw a contrast with federal efforts to constrain the research, explicitly supports work on human stem cells, including those extracted from cloned embryos. Gov. Davis is also considering using state money and universities for stem cell research.

The state legislation, the first of its kind in US, revives an emotional debate over the issue of human embryonic stem cell use and cloning, which preoccupied the Bush administration during its first year in office. It also adds pressure on the US Congress to vote on the thorny subject that many lawmakers seems to prefer to ignore.

Davis has said the legislation is essential to keep California at the forefront of medical research. Davis is expected to be joined at the signing ceremony by actor Christopher Reeve, who has actively become an advocate for medical research utilising stem cells, after he was paralysed in a horse riding accident seven years ago. Just recently, he heavily criticised the Catholic Church and the Bush administration for hindering progress in this field of medical research.

Gov. Davis spokesman Steven Maviglio said yesterday:

"The governor feels strongly about putting California ahead of the pack in promoting and encouraging stem cell research."

"We'd like to encourage Washington to stop playing politics and support this research."

State senator Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) who sponsored the California stem cell bill, said that California intend "to lead the way in this next frontier of medical research."

"I was, quite frankly, shocked by the risk associated with halting innovation and science. It was going to be a disaster for the nation."

"This sends a message not only to Congress but other states: California believes this is important to do. Here is a model."

She and Davis envision squads of prominent scientists rush to the West Coast to pursue an array of medical breakthroughs involving stem cells.

The California measure does not permit "reproductive cloning" — the creation of a genetically identical child — and includes strict oversight of stem cell research.

Davis is also expected to send a letter to more than 10,000 scientists inviting them to submit research proposals to the state. The governor has scheduled a conference call for Sunday with prominent researchers and activists, such as Christopher Reeve, to make the announcement.

"We are extremely heartened that Governor Davis and California would take such a bold step," said Michael Manganiello, president of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR).

"We hope it encourages our senators and congressmen in Washington to seriously considersupporting similar federal legislation."

• Stem cell research OK’d in Calif.
Davis signs legislation in direct contradiction of federal limits
September 22, 2002, AP

• California Takes Step to Promote Stem Cell Research
Sunday, September 22, 2002, Washington Post

• Calif. Gov. to Sign Stem Cell Law
Sun Sep 22, 6:43 PM ET AP

• Read the bill SB253, by Sen. Deborah Ortiz, at http://www.sen.ca.gov

• One giant step for stem cells
Historic moment as UCSF ships them out to researchers
Wednesday, September 18, 2002, San Francisco Chronicle

• Senate to look into lack of stem cells
Published 9/20/2002 5:48 PM, UPI

• Paralysed Reeve blames Bush and Catholic church for his plight
Reeve blames Bush and Catholic church for plight
Guardian, September 17, 2002

• Man of steel
In 1995, after the accident which left him paralysed, Christopher Reeve said he wanted to be on his feet by his 50th birthday. That's next week, and although he has made amazing progress, he won't be standing — and for that, he says, George Bush must share the blame. He tells Oliver Burkeman why.
Guardian, September 17, 2002

• Crippled 'Superman' Reeve Blames Church and Bush
Reuters, September 17, 2002

L.
Ed.
CellNEWS
23 September, 2002

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