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Joel B. Finkelstein, Researchers Hope State Stem Cell Efforts Last, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 99, Issue 22, 21 November 2007, Pages 1666–1667, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djm241
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Several states are moving forward with efforts to fund studies involving human embryonic stem cells. Even though most of these programs are still in the embryonic stages themselves, they may prove to have an enduring effect on the field.
In August 2001, President Bush signed an executive order limiting the use of federal funds for research involving human embryonic stem cells to lines that were already established at the time. Even if the current federal policy were overturned, a law passed in 1995 already barred federally funded scientists from any work that destroys a human embryo, which is required to create a new cell line with current technology.
At least partly because of these federal policies, New Jersey became the first state to approve its own funding for embryonic stem cell research in 2004 and has appropriated $23 million for grants so far. Since then, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York have established funds for stem cell research or are working toward doing so ( seebox ). Lawmakers in Florida and Washington are also debating whether to launch stem cell funding initiatives. Meanwhile, private foundations and other philanthropic entities are moving to support the work of individual institutions and researchers, albeit to a lesser extent.
