Delaware At Crossroads Over Whether To Allow Stm Cell Research
By SHERELLE ROBERTS -- WMDT 1/3/2006 Enter Email Address:
The state of Delaware is at a medical crossroads. If the house passes "Senate Bill 80," scientists will be able to conduct stem cell research, the controversial procedure that uses cells from early-stage embroys to potentially treat disease.
Wednesday, voters will have the opportunity to influence lawmakers. The Delaware House of Representatives wants to hear from the public before making its final decision on allowing stem cell research in the state.
"It's very similar to how a mother or father if they lost a child would donate organs to save another."
That's how Delaware State Senator Robert Venables describes stem cell research. Senate Bill 80 supports the use of frozen embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization to potentially treat disease. Lawmakers approved it last year, but it hit a snag with lobbyists, and now it has to be approved again with amendments. Venables says these amendments are minor. The biggest changes deal with people who violate research regulations.
"If these people break the law, they'd increase threefold. In some cases from 50,000 to 250,000."
Venebles thinks the amendments will pass with no problem, but he's concerned that those who flatly oppose stem cell research will use the amendment hearing to their advantage.
"They'll have a chance to speak against the whole bill any of it, the amendments is something that's been added that they'll have a chance to speak to."
Venables says if protesters can sway the house vote, Senate Bill 80 will die. And along with it, he believes, the possibility of ground-breaking, and even life-saving research.
As with any political discourse, not everyone sees it like the senator. I received a call on behalf of many individuals who are planning to present religious, moral, and scientific cases against stem cell research at Wednesday's public hearing. If the Amendments are accepted by the House on January 12, the bill will still have to be approved by the senate, and then signed into law by Governor Minner.
If you'd like to participate in the public hearing, it's scheduled for 6 Wednesday night at Legislative Hall in Dover.
Portions of this story copyright -2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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