Illinois' Stem Cell Aspirations Take a Dive

Illinois Senate has moments ago canned its amendment promoting stem cell work in the state. The story is still developing but Wesley Smith posted it on MCW. More:

The defeat of the amended version of HB 3859, which opponents argued would allow "laboratory cloning" as part of stem cell research, depended upon the votes of Downstate Democrats. Republican senators Kirk Dillard, Christine Radogno and Adeleine Geo-Karis broke ranks with the Republican caucus and voted to support the measure.

Illinois is Coming for the Stem Cell Pot, Too

While the national press continues to speculate on what President Bush will do if anything with respect to modifying his 'ban' on Federal funds for embryonic stem cell research the reality is that the battle is for all intents and purposes over. The only issue remaining is which states will follow California and either permit or fund stem cell research. Illinois looks like it is very close to being the next state to work around the Federal ban. - Art Caplan