At the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, researchers are working on cures for heart disease, cancer, spinal cord injuries and diabetes. If passed, this bill legislation will have a chilling effect on research critical to improving health.

The Facts

• The University of Minnesota does not, has not, and will not perform research for the purpose of human cloning.
• SF695/HF998 is another step in an effort to ban human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research.
• The majority of Americans and Minnesotans support hESC research.

Significant Oversight

• As recommended by the National Academies of Science stem cell commission, all research involving human embryos or embryonic stem cells must be reviewed and approved by the ESCRO (Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight) Committee. ESCRO includes scientists, physicians and community members.
• Federal research funding for human embryonic stem cell research is restricted to cell lines approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Federally-eligible hESC research is supported at the U by NIH Research Grants. The U has already implemented a policy banning the use of state funds for non-federally eligible purposes.

Research Creates Hope

• This bill will have a chilling effect on research critical to improving health.
• hESC research is contributing to finding better treatments and cures for diseases and disorders such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, blindness, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s and spinal cord injuries.
• At the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, researchers are working on cures for heart disease, cancer, spinal cord injuries and diabetes.

Research Will Reduce Costs

• Stem cell research has the potential to significantly reduce health care costs by reducing the impact and incidence of chronic disease.
• Seventy percent of medical costs in the US are for people with chronic conditions.

Research Creates Jobs

• Banning research will result in lost investment and lost jobs.
• Minnesota is recognized as a leader in the biotechnology industry.
• SF695/HF998 will create a hostile environment for innovators and we will lose researchers, their staff, and the economic impact of their work.