Illinois governor orders creation of stem-cell research institute

Published: 2005-07-18

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- Despite a moral outcry by pro-life Catholics and organizations in the state over embryonic stem-cell research, Illinois has become the first state in the nation to establish a stem-cell research institute without input from the public. On July 12, Gov. Rod Blagojevich superseded the General Assembly by initiating an executive order to create the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute, which he plans to open before the year is over. At a press conference in Chicago, he said the $10 million start-up cost for the institute would be funded by taxpayers, but details about ongoing funding, fiscal accountability and research methodology were not disclosed. The governor said the institute's scientists would conduct research involving all forms of stem cells, including stem cells from adults, umbilical cord blood and embryos, to develop advanced medical therapies. The church opposes embryonic stem-cell research because it destroys the embryo, but it advocates research using stem cells from adults and from umbilical cord blood. "Since the federal government has chosen to stall the medical advancements that will come with stem-cell research, it is up to the states to take action," said Blagojevich.

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