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Letters from the Center for Genetics and Society and the Pro-choice Alliance for Responsible Research regarding proposed reforms to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
April 20, 2005
Senator Deborah Ortiz, Chair
Senator George Runner, Vice-Chair
Members, Senate Health Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, California
RE: Support for SCA 13
Dear Senators Ortiz and Runner, and members of the Senate Health Committee:
The Center for Genetics and Society and the Pro-Choice Alliance for Responsible Research are encouraged by your introduction of SCA13 to reform Proposition 71, the California Stem Cells Research and Cures Act. As you know, we support embryonic stem cell research and its public funding, but were critics of Proposition 71 for precisely the shortcomings identified in your legislation. The early stages of its implementation by the leadership of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine have been gravely disappointing and confirmed those concerns, and we welcome SCA 13 to restore public trust and accountability to the CIRM.
We do not think lightly of amending the Constitution, or of using the initiative process as a substitute for legislative action, however...