The great stem cell debate shakes conventional wisdom at every turn. It makes stranger bedfellows than ordinary politics, and now is setting a man against one of his fathers. President George W. Bush’s stem cell policy is at odds with the advocacy of President Reagan’s family.
This debate has now become a states rights issue, with some defying the directions of the federal government, while easing regulations and courting investment on their own. California is taking the boldest step: putting a potential three billion dollar bond issue to fund research on the ballot. But these moves have some wondering whether oversight of this controversial scientific field should be left up to the states.
Guests:
Steve Jones, professor of genetics at University College of London
Larry Goldstein, co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the California Stem Cell Research Initiative and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.