Stem Cell Bill Passes Delaware Senate

On Tuesday, the Delaware Senate passed SB 80, which would encourage stem cell research in Delaware, as in this excerpt:

§3002D. Human embryonic stem cell research.

(a) Human embryonic stem cells shall be eligible for use in research in the State of Delaware if the cells meet each of the following:

(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment;

(2) Prior to the consideration of the embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and

(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation.

Delaware Grapevine reports that the debate did not break along the state's usual political fault lines:

The prime sponsor was Sen. Robert L. Venables, a Sussex County Democrat so conservative he could not move more rightward without supposing the earth is flat.

Congressman Mike Castle, whose stem cell bill passed the U.S. House despite a veto threat from President Bush, is following the bill's progress:

Delaware's decision-making on the bill is significant enough that Castle sent two of his top staff members -- Jeffrey A. Dayton, his district director, and Elizabeth B. Wenk, his deputy chief of staff -- to Dover to watch the Senate 's floor action.
Legislative Hall is not known for its absorbing debates. They tend to have the depth and decorum of a hot dog eating contest, but this one was different. The Senate took more than two and a half hours for a discussion that was thoughtful and civil.