Florida funding of embryonic stem cell research (2008)
Florida funding of embryonic stem cell research (2008)
Funding of embryonic stem-cell research is a Florida initiated constitutional amendment that would require $20 million dollars annually in stem-cell research for 10 years from the state.
The initiative reads as:
his amendment appropriates $20 million annually for ten fiscal years for grants by the Department of Health to Florida nonprofit institutions to conduct embryonic stem cell research using, or using derivatives of, human embryos that, before or after formation, have been donated to medicine under donor instructions forbidding intrauterine embryo transfer. An embryo is “donated to medicine” only if given without receipt of consideration other than cost reimbursement and compensation for recovery of donated cells.
Overview
There are two conflicting initiatives collecting signatures currently. The opposite of this initiative is the Florida Anti-Stem Cell Research Initiative (2008) which has been in the works since 2005. There are also two bills in the legislature that are discussing stem cell research:
SB 2496, HB 1065: Would allow state money to be spent on stem-cell research using human adult, amniotic, cord blood, and placental stem cells through a grant program. But prohibits the use of state money for embryonic stem-cell research. The House bill, sponsored by Rep. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, is ready for debate on the House floor. The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, has one more committee to clear before it heads to the Senate floor.
SB 750, HB 555: Would allow $20 million a year in state money to be spent on embryonic, amniotic, and adult stem-cell research for 10 years through a grant program. Sponsored by Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallendale Beach, the bill has three more committees to clear in the Senate. The House version, sponsored by Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, has not yet been discussed in committee.
Support
Florida Cures is the political action committee that is sponsoring the initiative. The group has 17 medical groups affiliated with it. Florida Cures believes that if medical groups were given grants to expand stem-cell research that cures could be found for Alzheimer's, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Parkinson, and Spinal Cord injuries. This would have a direct impact on Florida's aging population
Opposition
Citizens for Science and Ethics is a political action committee and is opposing the initiative. The group believes the research should be privately invested in ethical research performed on stem cells derived from adult tissue, umbilical cord tissue, and placental tissue. The group also listed that paying higher taxes for experimental funding as a reason to oppose state-funded stem-cell research.
The Florida Catholic Conference opposed the initiative because it degrades the value of human life.[
The former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, also announced that he is against the state funding the research.
Status
The initiative received approval from the Florida Secretary of State and is in circulation.
