Proposed Policies for the California Stem Cell Program Leave Gaps
(This statement can be attributed to Jesse Reynolds of the Center for Genetics and Society)
After months of pressure from public interest groups and legislators, the proposed intellectual property policy and research standards to be considered today appear to address many of the concerns raised by critics.
The intellectual property recommendations address the concerns we have raised regarding returns to the state and affordable pricing. We hope that the governing board adopts these proposed policies, and that they will be adequately enforced.
The proposed research standards contain notable provisions, many of which were added based on suggestions of public interest groups. However, key protections against misuse of cloned embryo remain inadequate. The most serious problem is more general: the proposed policies provide no mechanism for these rules to be effectively enforced.
Too much is at stake with stem cell research to rely on what may amount to self-regulation. If women's health is to be protected, and misuses of these powerful new technologies prevented, the approval process must be overseen by a transparent and accountable body that is independent of the research institutions, the CIRM, and the insider's network of scientists.
The Center for Genetics and Society works to encourage responsible uses and effective societal governance of the new human genetic and reproductive technologies.
Contact:
Parita Shah
510-625-0819 x312
Jesse Reynolds
510-625-0819 x308