Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes biomedical research to be conducted on pre-implantation human embryonic stem cells that are produced by in vitro fertilization clinics and targeted for disposal or deemed excess tissue, provided that the original owners of the embryo have given their informed consent, and the research is being conducted in accordance with federal guidelines.

Highlights:

- Requires all research being conducted on such embryos be in accordance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protection, the National Research Council, and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (Sec. 4). - Prohibits research from being conducted on any embryo for longer than 14 days or until formation of the primitive streak begins (Sec. 4). - Prohibits any individual from creating an embryo with the sole intent of donating it for research (Sec. 5). - Prohibits any individual from engaging or assisting in human reproductive cloning (Sec. 5). - Authorizes any employee to refuse to participate in human embryonic stem cell research if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or practices (Sec. 6). - Classifies a violation of the provisions of this Act as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 1 year, a fine of up to $25,000, or both (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes biomedical research to be conducted on pre-implantation human embryonic stem cells that are produced by in vitro fertilization clinics and targeted for disposal or deemed excess tissue, provided that the original owners of the embryo have given their informed consent, and the research is being conducted in accordance with federal guidelines.

Highlights:

- Requires all research being conducted on such embryos be in accordance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protection, the National Research Council, and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (Sec. 4). - Prohibits research from being conducted on any embryo for longer than 14 days or until formation of the primitive streak begins (Sec. 4). - Prohibits any individual from creating an embryo with the sole intent of donating it for research (Sec. 5). - Prohibits any individual from engaging or assisting in human reproductive cloning (Sec. 5). - Authorizes any employee to refuse to participate in human embryonic stem cell research if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or practices (Sec. 6). - Classifies a violation of the provisions of this Act as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 1 year, a fine of up to $25,000, or both (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text