North Carolina Representative Earl Jones Promotes Stem Cell Research Funding
Related News: Stem Cells and GovernmentNorth Carolina would be joining states like California in funding research on human stem cells, including those referred to as embryonic stem cells, with proposed legislation sponsored by a Guilford County member of the General Assembly.
This new bill proposes using $10 million derived from the state's tobacco settlement to fund research that uses stem cells to find cures for diseases.
"North Carolina could be the leader in the South on stem cell research," said state Rep. Earl Jones, a Greensboro Democrat sponsoring the measure.
This type of funding would be the first funding effort of any Southern state.
Obviously, there are concerns regarding the ethics and it remains a controversial issue.
"I don't want one baby to die just so I can live," said Theresa Eagle, a Greensboro resident who told the House Health Committee she had rheumatoid arthritis.
Many people including Eagle, spoke last week against Jones' bill, and stated that they have no problem with the use of adult stem cells for research.
Opponents on the panel said they had asked Jones to remove the stem cell provisions.
"I'm sorry to see you dismissed our concerns," said Rep. Mark Hilton, a Catawba County Republican.
Jones replied he had not ignored opponents but did not make the change because he knew the bill would not be voted on Thursday.
"This bill is designed not to exclude any type of research that holds promise," he said.
Posted on August 13, 2005 03:54 PM