In Missouri, More Political Trouble Over Stem Cell [Framing Science]

Published: August 4, 2007, 9:56 am

Tags: frame economic competitiveness

Back in November, when Missouri passed a constitutional amendment protecting the ability of scientists to conduct embryonic stem cell research in the state, it was heralded as one more political victory for science, and a sign that even in the Midwest, proponents had turned the corner on conservative opposition. Yet the LA Times reports that the Amendment campaigns has only served to catalyze opposition within the state legislature and among activists, threatening the state's ability to move forward with research: The amendment passed by fewer than 51,000 votes, or about two percentage points. The tight margin galvanized opponents. Within weeks, conservative lawmakers had introduced a measure to ban the very research protected by the amendment. That effort failed. But others have succeeded. This spring, the legislature scratched plans to build an $85-million science center at the University of Missouri. The stated reason: Concern that the labs might one day be used for

[ Full article ]

Blog link

Comments