Florida Governor Allows Some Stem Cell Research

Florida's Governor, Charlie Crist has recommended that his state allocate some state money for stem cell research. He does have a restriction though, it must not destroy any embryos. He hopes to get $20 million approved for use in research on stem cells pulled from the umbilical cord or amniotic fluid. This way, he says, no embryos will be harmed. He has made this restriction in hopes that more people will stand behind him and help further stem cell research if he comes to a balance where no one's morals are compromised. As we know these stem cells have the ability to become any cell in the human body, which opens up countless opportunities to help people with fatal diseases that there is no cure to as of yet. This is a good step for scientists, because the federal government won't pay for stem cell research. The cells pulled from the amniotic fluid hold much promise in studies, but it is still too early in the research to know they're full potential. As a scientist, I think this could be a great step and open many doors for research and for cures. My religion on the other hand, makes me more cautious about using embryo parts for this. I am comforted by the fact that this bill seems to protect embryos from being harvested for science.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7094632