Emerging stem cell treatments have been heralded as revolutionary for medicine and biotechnology, but more research still needs to be done to utilize these cells for therapies. Many barriers still stand in the way of these studies: discussions over ethical issues surrounding the use of human embryonic stem cells; policy issues regarding science funding and regulation; and economic pressures. These factors affect federal and state policy on stem cell research.
In a recently published report, the International Stem Cell Policy Program, part of the Baker Institute Science and Technology Program, examines the current economic and political conditions that would affect stem cell policy in Texas. Kirstin Matthews, the institute’s fellow in science and technology policy, and graduate intern Maude Rowland provide a comprehensive overview of the status of stem cell biology, government policies and economic data in the state of Texas.
The report, titled “Stem Cells and Biomedical Research in Texas,” was delivered to all state legislators and Gov. Rick Perry.
Texas is one of many states that has no existing stem cell policy. However, legislators have tried in the past to introduce bills to ban embryonic stem cell research. In addition, Perry has said that he would veto any bills that support state-funded embryonic research.
“If a ban on embryonic stem cells were implemented in Texas, many researchers who are working in the field would likely leave the state to find new positions where there is more permissive regulation,” Matthews said. “It would also create the perception that Texas is anti-science and would hurt recruiting, especially of high-profile researchers. A ban could also negatively impact the amount of federal funding brought into the state.”
• Download “Stem Cells and Biomedical Research in Texas.”
• Read the Rice News press release.