Pro-Choice Genetics Think Tank Criticizes California Stem Cell Initiative;Is Encouraged by Kerry Proposal

The Center for Genetics and Society, the liberal California think tank, welcomed John Kerry's call for federal support of stem cell research with "strict ethical oversight," but criticized the California Stem Cell Initiative, Proposition 71.

"A more enlightened Administration committed to medical advance in the context of social equity and responsible regulation can provide new political space for a healthy dialog about the new human biotechnologies," commented Marcy Darnovsky, associate executive director of the Center.

"In the politically polarized atmosphere created by the Bush Administration, the debate on stem cell research has until recently been dominated by two constituencies," Darnovsky said. "Religious conservatives want to outlaw all research using human embryos, while the biotech industry and research community resist even reasonable social oversight and control."

That situation is beginning to change, Darnovsky said. "Proposition 71's many and serious flaws have encouraged feminists and other pro-choice liberals to voice their concerns about inadequately regulated research involving stem cells and cloning. Today's announcement by the California Nurses Association opposing Proposition 71 is the latest example."

The Center for Genetics and Society supports expanded embryonic stem cell research. However, its analysis of Proposition 71 (http://www.genetics-and-society.org/71report) concludes that the measure:

fails to provide public accountability or public financial return for a very large public investment,

fails to adequately regulate techniques that pose unique risks,

grants the biotechnology industry a privileged role in public policy decisions,

burdens Californians with added debt when the state's deficit already threatens social programs,

could undermine health equity and women's health

"Proposition 71 would give complete control of three billion dollars of the public's money to a committee dominated by people who are part of or close to the institutions and companies that would benefit from the funds," Darnovsky said.

"The measure would allow this committee to make its own rules about informed consent, protection of research subjects, and other matters," she added. "And this research poses some unique risks. The need for large quantities of women's eggs would create economic pressures on women to become egg providers, and pose risks to their health. And without effective societal oversight, the development of stem cell and research cloning techniques could open the door to a new, high-tech eugenics."

The Center's extensive analysis of Proposition 71 and additional information is available at: http://www.genetics-and-society.org/71 .

Contact:
Marcy Darnovsky
510-625-0819 x305