New Jersey Rejects Unethical Stem Cell Research

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New Jersey Rejects Unethical Stem Cell Research

Special Report - November 9, 2007
Advocates of public funding for human embryonic stem cell research were dealt a significant defeat on Tuesday, November 6, when New Jersey voters rejected a bond measure that would have appropriated $450 million to embryonic stem cell research over a 10-year period. The bond failed by a 53 percent to 47 percent margin. If approved, the bond would have allowed the New Jersey government to use taxpayer dollars to fund research requiring the destruction of human embryos. According to press reports, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine donated $150,000 of his own money to support the campaign to pass the initiative.

The North Carolina House of Representatives approved legislation this year that would authorize the use of taxpayer dollars to fund embryonic stem cell research, but the State Senate did not act on the measure. The bill, HB 1837—Stem Cell Research and Wellness Act, could arise again during the 2008 “Short” Session, which begins next May.