ALBANY--State Senator Liz Krueger has re-introduced S1257, the Reproductive Cloning Prohibition and Stem Cell Research Protection Act, to encourage stem cell research in New York State. The bill would complement Governor Spitzer's recent funding victory in the 2007-08 FY budget.

In an effort to bring her bill to the floor of the Senate for debate and a full Senate vote, Krueger has filed a Motion to Petition to circumvent Majority Leader Joe Bruno's unilateral control over what bills make it out of committee and to the floor. The Republican majority unanimously opposed her motion, again leaving the bill stalled in committee where it has been for many years.

"It's downright irresponsible that for years now the Republicans have refused to set up standards for stem cell research," Krueger declared. "Now that we have approved a State budget that includes $100 million for this research-$600 million over the next 11 years-it is beyond troubling that they still won't allow debate on the parameters for how these funds are to be used. This is indicative of a larger problem up here in Albany: throwing money around without taking the time to develop protocols to ensure the money is spent appropriately."

The Act would define stem cell research, as well as establish an ethical policy framework, complete with an oversight board, to ensure that proper procedures are followed. The bill would address ethical issues by banning reproductive human cloning, with criminal penalties for violators, and would protect individuals by requiring the clear and informed consent of donors by creating a mechanism for the transfer of unused genetic material to scientific institutions.

Research on stem cells advances the knowledge about how an organism develops from a single cell, and how healthy cells can replace damaged cells in adult organisms. This promising area of science is also leading scientists to investigate the possibility of cell-based therapies to treat disease.

"New Yorkers overwhelmingly support advancing the cause of science because of the potential opportunities still undiscovered. With the Governor's commitment to funding, it is critical that the Senate Republicans not abdicate the legislature's responsibility in ensuring that stem cell research is conducted under careful scrutiny, in an ethically-responsible and scientifically-reviewed environment," Krueger concluded. 4-18-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette