Stem Cell "Gold Rush" Continues

As we've noted previously (see here and here), public policy on stem cell research increasingly appears to consist of a frantic money grab by states.  Now New York is jumping into the action:

State lawmakers from both parties yesterday proposed spending at least $100 million a year for stem cell research, joining a growing number of states moving to fill the void left by President George W. Bush's ban on federal funding to expand the studies.

Advocates believe stem cell research holds promise for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes. They fear New York is in danger of losing top scientists to states willing to fund it.

"We know they are actively being recruited," said Maria Mitchell, president of the Academic Medicine Development Company, which represents medical schools and research institutes.

Any role for ethical considerations?  If we change some words around, we could be reading an argument to justify the construction of a new convention center.  Bioethics may give the "race to the bottom" among states a whole new slant.

Rob