Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that permits biomedical research on limited categories of human embryonic stem cells and bans human reproductive cloning.

Highlights:

- Permits human embryonic stem cell research in accordance with U.S. Department of Health and Services guidelines, and with informed consent of the owner of the embryo [sec. 4 (b)]. - Permits research of embryonic stem cells derived from embryos which are produced by: in vitro fertilization and targeted for disposal or discarded as excess tissue, stem cell lines, human adult stem cells from any source, umbilical cord stem cells, and placental cells [sec. 4 (a)]. - Defines "embryo" as a human organism formed by fertilization that is at most eight weeks old, post-fertilization [sec. 3 (b)]. - Prohibits any kind of human reproductive cloning (Sec. 5). - Prohibits researching intact human embryos for longer than fourteen days or until formation of the primitive streak [sec. 4 (c)]. - Defines "primitive streak" as a structure that forms during early states of embryonic development, generally developed around the fourteenth day of the embryo's existence [sec. 3 (j)]. - Allows employees to refuse to participate in research that conflicts with their religious beliefs (Sec. 6). - Charges violators of this bill with a misdemeanor to be punished by a fine of no more than $25,000, up to one year of imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text