Topeka — Some Kansas lawmakers are concerned that proposed state-sponsored life sciences research could cross ethical lines.
"We don't want to be growing babies for profit, or body parts," state Rep. Steve Brunk, a Wichita Republican, said Monday.
The Kansas Economic Growth Act before the Legislature has been touted as a way to expand life sciences research and development by capturing more science grants and plowing tax funds back into animal, plant and human research.
The measure by state Sen. Nick Jordan, R-Shawnee, and Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, has won praise from leaders across the state.
But Brunk said the proposal had no measure "that would safeguard the ultimate sanctity of life."
Brunk and state Rep. Steve Huebert, a Republican from Valley Center, voiced concerns about the issue with U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican who was at the Statehouse to discuss economic development.
Brownback, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research, wasn't familiar with the proposed state legislation but urged Brunk and Huebert to work with his office if they needed help.
During his talk to committees on economic development, Brownback touted advances in regenerative medicine in stem cells from umbilical cords. He said he would like to see an umbilical cord center at Kansas University.
Wilk said he was confident lawmakers could word the bill to address Brunk and Huebert's concerns.
| The Lawrence City Commission tonight will discuss a resolution to back the life sciences initiative proposed under the Kansas Economic Growth Act. The meeting begins at 6:35 p.m. in City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets. |
"We've had constructive conversations," Wilk said. "They don't want to submarine the bill."
On the issue of research, Wilk said he thought the state legislation would have "nothing less, nothing beyond" what federal law allows.
Lawmakers present vision of biosciences as economic pillar (1-21-04)
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