Springfield, IL - Today legislation that will dramatically expand all forms of stem cell research in Illinois - including somatic cell nuclear transfer - passed the Illinois State Senate. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford), will further elevate Illinois as a national leader in promoting this critical medical research.
"With the passage of Senate Bill 4 we have the opportunity to launch research efforts that could potentially help millions of American people who, on a daily basis, battle chronic illnesses and medical conditions, such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and juvenile diabetes," said Senator Frerichs.
The legislation also features a ban prohibiting human reproductive cloning, establishes procedures for couples to donate their unused in vitro fertilization treatments for medical research, and strengthens oversight of the State's existing grant making process.
"It is imperative that we utilize this legislative opportunity to bring in stem cell research funding and facilities to our state," stated Senator Frerichs. "Research shows that a significant amount of the funding generated in the United States for stem cell research ends up going to scientists abroad, and this trend needs to end."
The bill requires the Department of Public Health to establish the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute, which will award grants to support stem cell research at universities and research facilities throughout Illinois.
"I think there is a lot of money that can come into the University of Illinois for stem cell research," said Senator Frerichs. "If the state makes this commitment to the university, you will also see private research money coming in too."
Stem cells are found in embryos at early stages of development, in some fetal tissue, and in some adult organs as well. These cells have the potential to develop into many different types of healthy new cells in the body. As described by the National Institute of Health, they act like an internal repair system for the body, dividing to replenish other cells for as long as the body is alive.
