La. Gov. Jindal Signs Ban On Funding For Research Involving Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) recently signed into law a bill (HB 370) that prohibits the use of state or federal funds for research involving human somatic cell nuclear transfer, the AP/Hattiesburg American reports (AP/Hattiesburg American, 6/27).

Somatic cell nuclear transfer involves removing the nucleus of an unfertilized egg cell, replacing it with the material from the nucleus of a "somatic cell" -- a skin, heart or nerve cell, for example -- and stimulating this cell to begin dividing in order to grow stem cells (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 6/5). Opponents of the practice argue that the process creates a human life that is destroyed when stem cells are removed (AP/Hattiesburg American, 6/27).

Alternative Science Texts

In related news, Jindal also has signed into law the Louisiana Science Education Act (SB 733) -- which allows public school teachers to supplement science textbooks with materials on topics such as human cloning, evolution and global warming -- the AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune reports (AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/27).

During the signing ceremony, Jindal in a brief statement said that he "will continue to consistently support the ability of school boards and [the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education] to make the best decisions to ensure a quality education for our children" (Barrow, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/27).

Under the bill, BESE will be able to prohibit supplemental materials it deems inappropriate. However, opponents of the measure said it will be difficult for the board to ensure that religious materials are not being distributed to students at any of the 69 school districts in the state (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 6/18). Supporters of the measure claim it will promote "critical thinking," but opponents claim it is a veiled attempt to add religion to science classes and to challenge well-established science teachings, the AP/Times-Picayune reports (AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/27).

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