N.J. enacts much-criticized law allowing stem-cell research

Published: 2004-01-06

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey signed into law Jan. 4 a bill that the U.S. bishops' spokeswoman on pro-life issues said "is designed to encourage government-sanctioned 'human fetus farms.'" The bill allows scientific research using stem cells from human embryos to continue in the state and authorizes a system by which people may donate unused human embryos for research. It does not provide state funds for stem-cell research or legalize practices that previously were prohibited. It criminalizes what it defines as human cloning while permitting other types of embryonic stem-cell research. But critics including the New Jersey Catholic Conference opposed the law from its introduction, saying it will allow cloned human embryos to develop through the late fetal stages as long as they are used for research purposes.

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