Increases criminal penalties for selling fetal tissue and requires documentation of costs associated with processing, transportation, and storage.
Impact
The bill is designed to tighten existing regulations surrounding the donation and sale of fetal tissue. Under current law, selling donated tissue is prohibited, but this bill enhances the legal ramifications for violations, which can serve as a deterrent against trafficking in fetal tissue. The requirement for detailed documentation adds a layer of accountability that could help ensure proper practices are followed. Additionally, the bill aims to uphold ethical standards in research involving human embryonic cells by emphasizing the importance of informed consent for individuals regarding the disposition of embryos.
Summary
Assembly Bill A307 proposes to increase penalties for the illegal sale of cadaveric fetal tissue, raising the crime from third degree to second degree. This legislative change seeks to impose stricter punishments, including up to ten years of imprisonment and fines as high as $300,000 for violations related to the sale of such tissue. The bill also mandates comprehensive tracking and documentation procedures for costs associated with the processing, transport, and storage of fetal tissue, ensuring that these procedures adhere to health and safety regulations.
Contention
While proponents of A307 argue that the bill protects both ethical standards in research and the rights of individuals, critics may see it as an overreach that could complicate legitimate biomedical research. There are concerns that the increased penalties may inadvertently hinder valuable research in medical advancements and stem cell therapies, as they could deter researchers from utilizing available fetal tissue for scientific purposes. The balance between protecting human dignity and promoting scientific research remains a contentious debate surrounding this legislation.
Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.
Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.
Relating to certain prohibited abortions and the treatment and disposition of a human fetus, human fetal tissue, and embryonic and fetal tissue remains; creating a civil cause of action; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to certain prohibited abortions and the treatment and disposition of a human fetus, human fetal tissue, and embryonic and fetal tissue remains; creating a civil cause of action; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to prohibited state contracts with vendors that perform elective abortions, destructive embryonic stem cell research, or human cloning or that conduct research on human fetal tissue.
Relating to prohibited state contracts with vendors that perform elective abortions, destructive embryonic stem cell research, or human cloning or that conduct research on human fetal tissue.
Requires New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to establish matching grant program for public research universities that receive certain federal research grants; appropriates $5 million.
Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.
Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.