Anti-cloning legislation passed by the state Assembly last month has triggered a debate over what is more important: Economic development linked to the potential for new cures or ethical concerns over research that uses human embryos. The debate has pitted Republicans against Republicans and stem cell pioneer James Thomson against Rep. Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake), the lawmaker behind the bill. Across the nation, other state legislatures are grappling with cloning concerns. The debate’s ramifications are particularly significant in Wisconsin, given the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s distinction as the place where human embryonic stem cells were first isolated and cultured and its reputation as a leader in life sciences research.
Office of Strategic Communication