NU Regents Fail to Approve Further Restrictions on Stem-Cell Research

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Updated: 6:13 PM Nov 20, 2009 NU Regents Fail to Approve Further Restrictions on Stem-Cell Research Lincoln, NE University of Nebraska regents fail to approve further restrictions on stem-cell research. Posted: 2:20 PM Nov 20, 2009 Reporter: Terra Hall/Associated Press Email Address: Terra.Hall@1011now.com

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The University of Nebraska's governing board has failed to further limit embryonic stem-cell research at the university.

The NU Board of Regents voted 4-4 Friday on a resolution that would have limited such research at the university system's facilities to existing stem-cell lines, as approved under former President George W. Bush.

There are only eight regents; a tie vote means the measure fails.

President Barack Obama removed government funding restrictions on new stem-cell lines earlier this year.

A state law passed last year already prohibits the use of state resources for creating or destroying embryos for research.

The regents voted on the resolution as follows:

Timothy Clare - Yes
Chuck Hassebrook - No
Howard Hawks - Yes
Bob Whitehouse - No
Jim McClurg, Ph.D. - No
Kent Schroeder, J.D. - No
Bob Phares - Yes
Randolph Ferlic M.D. - Yes

Latest Comments

Posted by: Larry Location: Liberty on Nov 25, 2009 at 12:55 PM

Separation of church and state is one of the bedrock principles of our country. If you don't believe in it then don't do it. Don't try to tell everyone else how to run their lives. Your belief's are just that, YOURS and CANNOT be forced on others. I understand that religion is based on the socialist ideal (we are right and you will do what we want no matter what you believe) but this is the USA. If you don't like it, LEAVE.

Posted by: Kenneth Location: Lincoln on Nov 23, 2009 at 03:37 PM

lindsay - where do you get your facts? Why do you close your note with "way to go UNL?" The research in question is conducted at UNMC, not UNL.

Posted by: Andrew Location: Lincoln on Nov 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM

I somehow fail to appreciate the "protect the vulnerable" argument, when the alternative is to take the already-created cells in question at fertility clinics WOULD BE SCRAPED OFF INTO THE TRASH ANYWAY (there's already a law prohibiting the creation of new cells just for research). So that's the choice here, Nebraska: use these genetic materials in an attempt to help chronically ill mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers OR tell those people "tough luck" and dump their potential cure into the trashcan. And what a way to "protect the vulnerable"--all the way to the landfill. (As an aside on the life/non-life issue: I guess I have never seen a Petri dish give birth...?) You've got to bring more than your religious beliefs to an argument if you expect to convince anyone of your position. Just because you believe it doesn't make you right... or very convincing.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Southeastern Nebraska on Nov 21, 2009 at 08:13 AM

I agree with Lindsay-there have been absolutely no successes with embryonic stem-cell research. The Adult stem-cell research has been very successful but that seems to be ignored. I will be remembering this vote come the next election cycle.

Posted by: john Location: lincoln on Nov 20, 2009 at 09:38 PM

yeah, B. Hussein Obama is giving us all kinds of "opportunities" lately. Thanks so much.

Posted by: gina Location: Genoa on Nov 20, 2009 at 09:37 PM

You know it would be nice to see my soon to be husband up and walking, he has been in a wheelchair for the last 11years, TELLING THEM NO ON THE STEM CELL RESEARCH JUST MAKE CRUSHS A MAN HOPES AND DREAMS, ALL HE WANTS IT TO STAND UP FOR HIS STEP SON, AND DO THE SAME THING ALL THE FATHER DO WITH THERE SON,NOT SITTING IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR 24/7

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2009 at 06:00 PM

The Journal-Star did an overly-long article on McClurg, wherein it went on about how he didn't know how he was going to vote. It was all BS, of course, since he knew exactly how he was going to vote, and was just looking for cover by was of appearing deliberative.

Posted by: Larry Location: Blue Springs on Nov 20, 2009 at 05:21 PM

I think that there is other ways to get stem cells then the unborn. The person that said that we should seperate church and state should go back and read a old history books.Ever since the small amount of people thinks this way look at this USA now, look at the mess the schools are in then look at the family mess . then look at the mess the goverment is in.

Posted by: Jack Location: Seward on Nov 20, 2009 at 05:16 PM

Research Stem cells with a sense of purpose. Never mind those with religious objections. If they, had their way. we'd still be bleeding patients. Let them practice their faith privately. Their faith, does not, give them the right to decide legislation, or impede progress. many of us, good decent law abiding citizens, don't feel, or believe, as they do. We don't make decisions for them. You can bet money, if stem cell research, leads to a cure, for their Diabetes, Parkinson disease, or any other cure discovered, they'll be 1st in line to reap the benefit. Let us, all be well! Let science, heal us, if it can. We can still keep our faith and personal beliefs.

Posted by: Kay Location: Lincoln on Nov 20, 2009 at 05:00 PM

Stem cells used in research do not come from abortions. They DO NOT come from abortions. It is actually not possible to collect stem cells after an abortion for a number of reasons (contamination, technical difficulties, the advanced age of the cells, etc.). The embryos used are left over from IVF cycles. I don't understand how you can extend the right to be born to the thousands, perhaps millions, of IVF embryos currently in cold storage. Are you arguing that all of these embryos left after a woman has either had children via IVF or given up on IVF should be implanted? Implanted in who? And should we outlaw IVF altogether because it usually results in un-implanted embryos? If un-implanted embryos can't be used for research they are just going to sit in cold storage until they deteriorate or the donors stop paying the storage fees. I'd rather find a cure for Parkinson's.

Posted by: Patrick Location: Denton on Nov 20, 2009 at 04:19 PM

My only question is......What Would Jesus Do? Use his creation for experimentation? Something tells me NO!

Posted by: Ken Location: Lincoln on Nov 20, 2009 at 03:21 PM

If your parents, your son or daughter, your friend, a loved one, you get stricken with Parkinson's, MS, diabetes, leukemia, hundreds of other forms of cancer none of which there is a cure you want to be holier then thou and not allow researchers to find cures which can be done only with embryonic stem cell research then condemn us all to the stone age. I aaplaud the 4-4 Regents vote to allow the policy to stand as is and allowing Nebraska to take advantage of the opportunity Washington is giving us.

Posted by: lindsay Location: Lincoln on Nov 20, 2009 at 02:23 PM

Let the cures be discovered!!!!! NOT. There are already SO many discoveries, treatments and cures from ADULT stem cell research and more every week. But lets go use 14 million on dead babies and find nothing.....good plan UNL.

Posted by: john Location: lincoln on Nov 20, 2009 at 02:08 PM

We fail again to protect our most vulnerable, our smallest brothers and sisters. Protecting our pre-born brothers and sisters is the GREATEST social justice issue of our age. We will keep up the fight until these people gain rights just as slaves of recent history had to wait to gain rights.

Posted by: Jack on Nov 20, 2009 at 01:52 PM

It's time to abide by the Constitution and take religion out of government. If the Regents were to accept this proposal, it could lead to censorship of what is taught in classes. Do the majority of Nebraska taxpayers really want government interfering in their daily lives any more than it is now.

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