X-Message-Number: 24192
From: <>
Subject: SFGate.com Calif. stem cell article
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2004 23:56:40 -0700

$3 billion stem-cell research bond qualifies for California ballot in November 

  Friday, June 4, 2004
  


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/06/04/national0917EDT0509.DTL
 


(06-04) 06:17 PDT SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- 


A proposal to provide $3 billion for stem-cell research qualified for the 
November ballot after a campaign by 
scientists and high-profile patient advocates like moviemaker Jerry Zucker. 


If passed, the measure would provide $295 million to researchers each year for 
10 years, far exceeding the $60 million 
awarded by the federal government in 2002. 


The program also would fund laboratory cloning projects intended to create stem 
cells for medical use while 
specifically banning funding of cloning programs designed to create babies. 


Proponents have raised about $5.3 million and collected 1 million signatures for
the bond proposition, which was 
certified Wednesday by Secretary of State Kevin Shelley. 


Human embryonic stem cells appear in the first days after conception and help 
create tissues throughout the body. 

Scientists hope to study them to develop treatments for ailments from diabetes 
to paralysis. 


Many social conservatives oppose the proposition because days-old embryos are 
destroyed during stem-cell research, but 
an opposition campaign has yet to file state paperwork. 


Bond supporters include Zucker, who directed 1990's "Ghost," and Nobel laureates
Paul Berg, J. Michael Bishop and 

David Baltimore, as well as patient-advocacy groups, parents of sick children 
and venture capitalists. 


The measure was also endorsed Thursday by state Treasurer Phil Angelides and 
Controller Steve Westly. 

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