|
|
Iowa
Gov. Culver Signs Stem Cell Bill
Saturday, March 03, 2007
On Thursday 1st March, 2007, Governor Chet Culver signed five bills into law, including SF 162,
the “The Iowa Stem Cell Research and
Cures Initiative.” This legislation repeals a 2002 law that banned
life-saving stem cell research, and was a promise of then candidate Culver during
last year’s gubernatorial election.
“Today, thousands of Iowans who have
been affected by serious illness and disease now have hope,” said
Governor Culver.
“Throughout the campaign, I promised
Iowans that this administration would do everything in my power to repeal
this law, and today, we keep that promise. I want to thank everyone who has
been fighting for this life-saving research for the last five years since
the stem cell research ban went into effect. I also want to thank the
courageous legislators that supported SF 162 for restoring hope to
thousands of Iowans. Now, let us get down to work and give researchers in
our state the tools and resources necessary to give all Iowans a brighter,
unlimited, and healthier future.”
Governor Culver proposed in his budget $12.5
million for the construction of a Center for Regenerative Medicine to be
housed at the University of Iowa. These dollars would be the first
payment in a multi-year commitment to finding cures for illnesses that
affect thousands of Iowans.
Legislation signed by the Governor is below:
Senate File 162- Stem Cell
Governor Chet Culver
today signed Senate File 162, the “Iowa
Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.” This bill ensures that Iowa
patients have access to stem cell therapies and cures,
and that Iowa researchers may conduct stem cell research and develop
therapies and cures in the state, and to prohibit human reproductive
cloning. Governor Culver praised lawmakers for
passing this important piece of legislation.
“We are well positioned, as one of
only 15 National Cancer Institute sites in the country, to forge ahead in
the search for lifesaving cures for diseases like cardiovascular, diabetes,
cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. We have the chance to bring hope to
thousands of Iowans suffering from these life-threatening illnesses.”
Source: Press release from IowaPolitics.com.
|
|
