>>Valley Patriot>> |
Since this ongoing discussion has come to the forefront at the State House in the past few weeks, many public and private deliberations have taken place. No less than four forums have been held to educate legislators and the public on the technical merits of allowing such research to be conducted in Massachusetts - in specific, legal fashion. I have not yet formed a final decision on whether or not I will support the Senate plan, which is why I am turning to the citizens of Massachusetts for input on this highly charged issue. I
always appreciate hearing from my constituents on
important issues such as this one. As you know, This is a relatively new issue before the Legislature and one that is multifaceted with implications in the health care, economic, and ethical spheres. I have yet to reach any definitive conclusion on S-25, though in my reading of the bill I find it to be poorly drafted. I expect that a legislative committee will take several weeks to work on crafting a new bill before consideration by the Legislature. Meanwhile, my office is in the process of researching and reviewing the extensive body of information on the subject. The complexities of such research relate to what some call “competing goods,” with the goals of saving life on both sides. But is it killing one life to help another? Or is it only a ball of 200 cells and not human life? The Senate President wants to allow cloning of embryonic stem cells (therapeutic cloning), as well as using embryos that would be discarded by fertility clinics. The Governor only wants to use embryonic stem cells from embryos being discarded by fertility clinics. While there are differences, all sides agree that current law must be clarified to allow some level of stem cell research to proceed while still protecting the fetus. I have met with and listened to a number of individuals and groups on this topic and will continue to do so in the days and weeks before the Legislature formally takes up the matter. Please be assured that I will keep your views very much in mind as we move forward. To date, my office has received a number of calls or pieces of correspondence on this subject. I’d like to hear more. You may contact my office at the State House, Room 124, Boston, MA 02133. My email address is Rep.BradleyJones@hou.state.ma.us and I check my messages several times each day. I appreciate your advocacy on this important issue. Should you have any further questions or thoughts regarding this or any other matter, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
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Last month, President Robert
Travaglini of the Massachusetts Senate filed a piece of
legislation known as Senate Bill 25, “Relative to
Stem Cell Research.”
this proposal has generated a great
deal of interest and strong opinions on both sides of the
debate.