What do federal laws say about stem cell research?
- Currently, federal money cannot be used for research that involves
creating new stem cell lines.
- Only research on existing stem cell lines is eligible for federal
grants.
- Congress passed several laws in 2006 and 2007 that attempted to expand
federal stem cell research efforts, but President Bush vetoed them.
Where does Missouri stand
on the issue?
- In 2006, Missouri voters narrowly approved an amendment to the state
constitution that would ensure that all stem cell research allowed
under federal law would also be allowed under Missouri law.
- However, stem cell research opponents have been waging a battle against
stem cell research ever since. Efforts are focused on new laws that
would criminalize some stem cell research.
Is a new referendum in the works to limit research in Missouri?
- Opponents of stem cell research are planning to gather signatures
to ban a procedure called somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- This procedure creates duplicate cells.
- Lawsuits have already been filed against the Secretary of State concerning
the language in the summary and title for the petition to be used in
the referendum.
What is at stake here?
- Stem cell research is big business. The state stands to gain
or lose million so dollars depending on the status of our law on stem
cells.
- Likewise, as a moral issue, there will continue to be opposition
and this will continue to be a political issue.
Missouri continues to be the battleground for
this controversial issue. The eyes of the country are on Missouri.
Disclaimer
This information is general and may or may not apply to your situation.
The information contained on this web site is not to be considered as
legal advice. Since no two cases are identical, we recommend that you
contact an attorney in your jurisdiction to discuss the specific facts
of your case. Furthermore, since statutes and case law change so frequently
and due to information provided by other sources, we make no warranty
or guarantee concerning the accuracy of the content of this or any other
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