New Mexico bill for embryonic stem-cell research dies in committee

Published: 2008-02-26

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CNS) -- A bill to allow embryonic stem-cell research in New Mexico has been turned back for the second time in two years. "Life at its utmost vulnerable state has once again been successfully defended," said a Feb. 22 news release from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The measure, which was supported by Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, died in the House Judiciary Committee Feb. 14, the last day of the Legislature's 30-day session for 2008. The 2007 bill also died in the committee, but opponents of the measure predicted it would be reintroduced next year. It would have allowed the University of New Mexico to do research using embryos scheduled to be destroyed by fertility clinics. Currently, the university conducts research using adult stem cells. The bill was passed by the Senate in a 20-18 vote Jan. 29. In the House it passed the Consumers and Public Affairs Committee only to be tabled during the final meeting of the Judiciary Committee. Tabling a bill means postponing discussion on it indefinitely, so it died when the legislative session ended.

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