The California Stem Cell Initiative

The Center for Genetics and Society has produced an assessment of the "California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative," Proposition 71 on the November ballot. See the assessment at https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/internal-content/assessment-proposition-71

For additional commentary on Proposition 71 see the feature story in our newsletter, below.

Links to other resources can be found at http://www.genetics-and-society.org/policies/us/california.html

When Californians cast their votes this November, they will be asked to decide the fate of Proposition 71, the $3 billion California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act.

Most reports have presented the story as a two-sided conflict: on the one side, biotech researchers and patient advocates seeking cures for a range of diseases; on the other, religious conservatives opposed to the destruction of human embryos.

But in fact there are three distinct political positions on Proposition 71. Many progressive, liberal, and pro-choice groups and individuals who support increased federal funding for embryonic stem cell research nonetheless have deep concerns about Proposition 71. They argue that the measure

• fails to provide public accountability for a very large public investment,
• fails to adequately regulate techniques that pose unique risks,
• grants the biotechnology industry a privileged role in public policy decisions,
• burdens Californians with added debt when the state's deficit already threatens social programs, and
• could undermine health equity and women's health.

Proposition 71 backers – supported by the biotechnology industry, Silicon valley billionaires and Hollywood celebrities – have amassed a war chest of $15 million for a campaign featuring television ads appealing to the compassionate desires of California voters to assist those suffering from disease. Proposition 71 will have profound implications for the politics of human genetic technologies far beyond California’s borders.

Key links:

• Analysis of Proposition 71 by the Center for Genetics and Society
• CGS web page with links to news stories, "Yes on 71" and "No on 71 sites," and other information
• Pro-choice and liberal critics of Proposition 71 in recent news coverage
• Prochoice Alliance Against Proposition 71

News articles and editorial:

• "Editorial: No on Proposition 71—Fund stem cell research, but by normal process" Sacramento Bee (Sept. 22)
• Jonathan Knight, "Critics slate ethical leeway in California stem-cell proposal," Nature (Sept. 16)
• Gretchen Vogel, "California Debates Whether to Become Stem Cell Heavyweight," Science (Sept. 10)

Contact:

Marcy Darnovsky
Associate Executive Director
1-510-625-0819 x305