2020 California Proposition 14


California Proposition 14 is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that will appear on the ballot in the 2020 California elections, for November 3, 2020. If passed, it will authorize state bonds to be issued worth $5.5 billion, which will fund the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which serves as the state's center for stem cell research, and enable it to continue its operations.

Background

In the year 2004, embryonic stem cell research was a topic of political contention, and the administration of President George W. Bush limited federal funding for this type of research. In response, a California activist named Robert N. Klein II, who has family members suffering from autoimmune diseases, launched a citizen initiative known as Proposition 71, which created a state-funded center for stem cell research - the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Proposition 71 authorized $3 billion in bonds to fund the CIRM. By 2020, this funding had been used up, and for that reason, it will have to cease operation unless it receives more funding. For this reason, Klein spearheaded this initiative to reauthorize funding for the CIRM.

Support

In addition to Klein, this measure is supported by the Regents of the University of California.
Proponents argue that biomedical research is crucial, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opposition

Those who oppose embryonic stem cell research oppose this measure. These include an organization called "Right to Life of Central California" as well as a Berkeley nonprofit known as the Center for Genetics and Society.