The California stem cell initiative: persuasion, politics, and public science.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) was created by a California ballot initiative to make stem cell research a constitutional right, in response to Bush administration restrictions on stem cell research. The initiative created a taxpayer-funded, multibillion-dollar institution, intended to advance public health by developing cures and treatments for diabetes, cancer, paralysis, and other conditions. The initiative has been highly controversial among stakeholders and watchdog groups concerned with organizational transparency, accountability, and the ethics of stem cell research. We interviewed major stakeholders-both supporters and opponents-and analyzed documents and meeting notes. We found that the CIRM has overcome start-up challenges, been selectively influenced by criticism, and adhered to its core mission.
Adelson
Joel W
JW
Institute for Health & Aging, University of California, San Francisco CA 94118, USA. joel.adelson@ucsf.edu
Weinberg
Joanna K
JK
D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002140:California; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells; D035082:Federal Government; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006806:Human Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.) / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011057:Politics; D011634:Public Health / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013660:Taxes / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States