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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNon-embryonic stem cell bill clears committee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A proposal that would promote non-embryonic stem cell research and collection in Georgia cleared a Senate committee today.
Senate Bill 148 would establish a Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank or network of such banks in Georgia. All hospitals in the state would be required as of June 30, 2009, to inform pregnant women about the opportunity to donate postnatal tissue and fluid to the bank.
Senate Bill 148, if approved, also would create a 15-member commission to oversee the blood bank. The proposal also offers a tax break to Georgians who contribute to non-embryonic stem cell research.
“My intent is to move forward with every type of stem cell research over which there is no ethical controversy,” said Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth), the bill’s sponsor.
The bill does not include a ban on embryonic stem cell research, which has triggered emotional debate across the nation about whether it destroys human life.
But SB148 contains language that expresses reservations about the use of embryos for stem cell research. The bill states that embryonic stem cell research has been “hampered by difficulties” and that embryonic stem cells have a tendency to mutate into cancers.
It also states that the public policy of Georgia will be to encourage the donation, collection and storage of non-embryonic stem cells for scientific treatment and medical research.
Kevin Harris, a lobbyist with Georgia Right to Life, expressed support of SB148 at the Science and Technology Committee meeting today, saying it, “promotes a culture of ethical stem cell research in Georgia.”
But Charles Craig, president of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership, a coalition of 280 organizations, said the group opposes SB 148 as written. He said the partnership supports the bill’s intention to establish a newborn cord blood bank but opposes references to embryonic stem cell research as “unnecessary” and “unscientific.” He said the group could not support legislation that “openly disparages promising research.”
SB 148 now heads to the Senate Rules committee.
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