North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA IS well positioned to become a leader in stem cell research. The state's political establishment understands the importance of research for the growth of the state's educational and medical institutions in a competitive world. As early as 2005, the general assembly proposed that North Carolina become the first state in the southeastern United States to fund stem cell research, and thus join with states such as California and New Jersey in funding such endeavors. This proposal also included support for embryonic stem cell research, which is the most controversial aspect of the research.

The North Carolina General Assembly in 2006, through its Select Committee on Stem Cell Research, offered further research support, however, within the confines of ethical research guidelines. This approach in 2007 ...