(ABP) — Controversial sanctity-of-life issues were weighed by voters in two states Nov. 2, with Californians approving funding for stem-cell research and Floridians requiring parental notification before a minor can get an abortion.
Both measures passed easily.
In California, voters established a stem-cell research group, called the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, that will distribute up to $3 billion over the next 10 years to fund research, which many scientists believe can produce new treatments and therapies to combat degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's.
The measure, Proposition 71, passed 59 percent to 41 percent. It reportedly prohibits human cloning by groups that receive the funds — a major concern of opponents.
The funding, which will come from state bonds, will pay for research that has not been eligible for government money since 2001, when President Bush limited federal spending on human embryonic stem-cell research to cell lines already in existence. The creation of new cell lines involves the destruction of days-old human embryos. Most biomedical researchers believe the number of stem-cell lines available under Bush's order are inadequate to produce the promised breakthroughs.
The conservative Family Research Council decried the decision, saying the research funds will be used for human cloning and the destruction of human embryos.
“As a country we cannot afford to let this type of egregious disregard for human life to become common and accepted practice,” said FRC President Tony Perkins. “There is absolutely no ethical or scientific reason for public funding of embryonic stem-cell research. The approval of Proposition 71 diverts scarce resources from the successful adult stem-cell research, which has already provided thousands of cures.”
Peter Van Etten, president of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, hailed the California decision but warned it will not be enough. “Today's developments in California are very promising for the field of stem-cell research, but for the field to realize it's true potential it needs the full support of the federal government,” he said. “We are hopeful that a fresh federal approach will come soon, either by an act of Congress or through an expansion of the White House policy governing this field.”
Voters in Florida amended the state's constitution to require notification of the parent or guardian of a minor before an abortion can be performed. The state legislature will be required to provide exemptions and create a process for waiving notification if approved by a judge. The amendment won 65 percent to 35 percent, with 99 percent of precincts reporting Nov. 3.
Florida Baptists lobbied heavily in favor of the parental-notification measure. “Praise God for almost 5 million Florida voters who understand that parents have the responsibility to care for their children during difficult situations like unplanned pregnancy,” said Kathleen Hiers, director of sanctity of human life issues for the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, which supported the ballot measaure. “I am thankful for the protection this will provide for young women facing the life-changing decisions related to parenting, adoption placement or abortion,” she told the Florida Baptist Witness.
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