Stem-cell struggles

By Mitch Frank

The fierce battle over embryonic stem-cell research didn't end with last year's presidential election. It turned into a state-by-state free-for-all. While antiabortion lawmakers in some states are trying to ban the research--which uses cells, above, from discarded embryos or donated, unfertilized eggs--others see a potential gold mine and are trying to attract biotech firms. It's another red-state/blue-state divide, with some twists. --By Mitch Frank

CALIFORNIA Voters approved a ballot measure last year to spend $3 billon on research. But some lawmakers are proposing restrictions on the kind of work the new Institute for Regenerative Medicine can do.

TEXAS The legislature is considering a ban on stem-cell research. Governor Rick Perry wants to bar public funding, but Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who may challenge Perry in next year's gubernatorial primary, supports state financing.

MISSOURI The state senate is weighing a ban on creating stem cells with unfertilized eggs--so-called therapeutic cloning. The Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City says it may build a new facility elsewhere.

MASSACHUSETTS Democrats want to fund research to keep scientists from moving to California. But G.O.P. Governor Mitt Romney, who has White House ambitions, opposes the idea.

NEW JERSEY Acting Governor Richard Codey wants a bond measure on November's ballot to raise $230 million for research. Two-thirds of Garden Staters support the idea, according to a poll released last week.

VIRGINIA The general assembly rejected a bill last month to establish a research fund of public and private money named for actor Christopher Reeve.