California Judge Backs Stem-Cell Research

In April 2006, a California judge opened the way for California to begin funding a $3 billion stem-cell research effort. The judge, Judge Bonnie Sabraw of Alameda County, ruled that the controversial California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is a legitimate state agency.

California has been at the center of the stem-cell debate in America since voters in 2004 approved using state funds for said research. The debate pits groups that morally oppose using fertilized human eggs for study against others who see stem cells as key to curing many diseases including osteoarthritis, COPD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, diabetes, etc.

The suit was filed in April 2005 by a group that has since grown to include the California Family Bioethics Council, a project of the California Family Council which opposes abortion and gay marriage, and the National Tax Limitation Foundation. The suit challenged the constitutionality of the institute, effectively freezing its efforts to issue up to $300 million in debt annually. The institute itself was able to issue $12.1 million to researchers in early April with the help of bond anticipation notes while its debt authority faced the court challenge.

Academic researchers and biotechnology companies have complained that a lack of U.S. funding for stem cells has stymied research in the field. As a result, several states have moved to enact their own funding in an effort to attract fast-growing biotech businesses.

Article References
Calif. Judge Backs $3 Billion Stem-Cell Effort, site accessed on 05/30/2006