People Helping People: Eliot Spitzer

By Jenny Chu  |  University of Rochester Homepage  |  Link to article
August 04, 2009

Reaction to Spitzer's push for stem cell research (01/05/2007)

During his first State of the State address, New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer announced a state fund to support stem cell research... to the tune of $2 billion. "This investment will repay itself many times over in increased job, economic activity and improved health," said New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer. That's great news for medical research universities like the University of Rochester. Its Medical Center President Joel Seligman, an advocate of stem cell research, says it's about time the state gets the support it needs to compete. "At least 20 separate countries will already have significant embryonic stem cell research programs. If they proceed and we don't, we run the risk of losing our great scientists, we run the risk in the state of New York of losing our biomedical businesses," said Seligman. The state fund is not an earmark, but it will help continue the State's work in stem cell research including embryonic stem cells. Researchers say stem cells can potentially provide cures for a number of diseases including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Cancer. But the controversy lies in the way the cells are extracted. Opponents say they support the advancement in biomedical research, but believe the way stem cells are taken from human embryos is unethical. "Embryonic stem cells require that a human life in its very naissance stage is destroyed to harvest the cells," said Jann K. Armantrout, a representative with the Catholic Diocese of Rochester. Despite the opposition, Seligman says support from State leaders like Governor Spitzer is a huge step in the right direction. Because for years, New York State has been playing catch-up to states like California, Illinois and Maryland.