BERGEN COUNTY RIGHT TO LIFE
Stem Cell Referendum possible in NJ |
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| Story Date | Source | Abstract |
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| 7/15/2006 | www.njrtl.org | NJ Senate would allow a referendum on borrowing $230MM for stem cell research, but the Assembly would have to approve a similar measure by 8/29 in order for the question to be placed on the ballot in November
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On 6/30/06, the state Senate passed a measure (26-9), asking New Jersey voters to permit borrowing $230MM for stem cell research. The state Assembly would have to approve a similar measure by 8/29 in order for the question to be placed on the ballot in November.
Pro-life advocates had tried to amend the proposal to forbid embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) to be funded, because ESCR destroys human embryos. Pro-life advocates only support adult stem cell research (ASCR), which does not take human life. (Notably, use of ASC has resulted in several success stories, while treatment with ESC has not been effective.)
Marie Tasy, Executive Director of New Jersey Right to Life, testified against this bill when it was before the Senate Budget Committee. "The losers will be New Jersey citizens, who will not only bear the financial burden of this wasteful spending but be faced with the realization that they and their loved ones have been denied a cure because New Jersey lawmakers placed politics above saving human lives," Tasy said.
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