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New Jersey creates stem-cell institute

TRENTON, N.J., May 13 (UPI) -- Gov. James McGreevey has bucked federal policy by signing legislation creating a stem-cell research institute in New Jersey.

McGreevey, a Democrat in his first term as governor, said Wednesday such research should not be limited by politics.

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"This isn't an abstract academic debate. People are suffering today and what we offer them is hope," McGreevey said, The New York Times reported. McGreevey has included $6.5 million in his budget for an institute to be built in New Brunswick.

President Bush has banned federal funds from being used for research that would produce embryonic stem-cell lines other than those in existence in August 2001.

However, former first lady Nancy Reagan last week called for stem-cell research that could eventually help Alzheimer's patients, such as former President Ronald Reagan. The presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., has long been a supporter of stem-cell research.

Stem cells are found in human embryos, placentas and umbilical cords. Some researchers claim the limitation on stem-cell lines available for study delays medical breakthroughs in treatments for several injuries and illnesses.

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Collection of the cells can result in the destruction of an embryo, leading many anti-abortion rights groups to say the practice is unethical.

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