| This thread digressed, perhaps unavoidably, from the political influence of religious groups on stem cell research to their general influence on the president. Regarding stem cell research, private companies who do not receive federal funds have no restrictions. The fed limitations affect mainly university scientists. In California there is a proposition authorizing the State to raise $3 billion dollars for stem cell research, and it appears to have a good chance of passing.
There has been strong religious opposition to contraception (still illegal in Ireland, I believe) and abortion. Having lost those two battles, the religious right is now engaged in another losing battle against stem cell research. I say losing because their war will be lost with the first successful stem cell treatment for a major disease. Republicans will destroy any obstacle that prevents them from making profits, especially the huge profits from drugs. |