Capitol Times, Madison, Wisconsin
May 5, 2003
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has long been in the forefront of efforts to achieve breakthroughs in stem cell research. Indeed, because of patents it holds and the pioneering work of University of Wisconsin scientists, WARF finds itself in a position to promote stem cell research not just on the UW campus but internationally. For instance, WARF has provided stem cells to more than 120 researchers around the world.
But the ability of the UW to remain a pivotal player in the search for breakthrough treatments for hundreds of diseases and physical conditions is threatened. Legislators have repeatedly tried to restrict or criminalize this critical research because it utilizes stem cells taken from human embryos.
“Last session,” notes WARF spokesman Andy Cohn, “a bill was on the floor that would’ve essentially made dozens of scientists felons.”
The Back-to-the-Dark-Ages Caucus is back at it this session, with Assembly Bill 104 and Senate Bill 45 – both of which would, if enacted, have the effect of banning stem cell research at the UW.
The bills in question are promoted by legislators who claim they only want to prevent human cloning. But the bills are so poorly drawn up that analysts suggest they could be interpreted far more broadly than the sponsors suggest. Additionally, the legislators who are pushing these bills fail to take into account the care that UW scientists employ to ensure that stem cell research is done responsibly and ethically.
Gov. Jim Doyle does take this into account. And he has stepped up to challenge the false impressions and bad politics that would undermine or eliminate stem cell research at the UW. Along with members of the Wisconsin Coalition to Support Stem Cell Research, Doyle is asking members of the state Assembly and Senate to reject the bills.
Doyle announced recently at a press conference with members of the coalition that he would veto any bill that he felt would limit stem cell research in the state.
Doyle deserves a good deal of credit for taking so firm a stand. It is the necessary response to the continued assault on science and reason by some of the less well-informed members of our Legislature.
